Cardiac Surgery Simulation – Part II: Cannulation
Our group has previously described how dedicated practice outside the operating room can improve surgical technique and enhance intraoperative performance. We have also recently developed a “do-it-yourself” simulator to practice a variety of operative scenarios in cardiac surgery. This video tutorial demonstrates our Cannulation Module, which is designed to hone skills in aortic, right atrial, left ventricular vent, and bicaval cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass.
Dedicated practice outside the operating room can improve surgical technique. We designed a simulator made from inexpensive, readily accessible materials that is easy to build and use and faithfully recreates multiple operative scenarios in cardiac surgery.
As previously described, the foundation of our simulator is a shoebox with a hole cut into the lid, which simulates a median sternotomy. Individual modules are placed within the box and are easily exchanged to simulate various components of cardiac surgery. We have designed several modules, including the Basic Surgical Skills Module, which was previously published in MMCTS [2], the Cannulation Module, which is the focus of this video tutorial, as well as a coronary anastomosis module. Additional modules are under development, including aortic valve, mitral valve, and aortic arch, which will be presented in upcoming video tutorials.
Whereas a trainee has the opportunity to cannulate for cardiopulmonary bypass only once during a case, the trainee can utilize this simulation model to easily and faithfully practice each step hundreds of times to improve his or her technical skills and to be more prepared for the next case. We believe that practicing in this way can enhance intraoperative learning, performance, and confidence.
