How to build your own coronary anastomosis simulator from scratch†

Abstract

All simulator prototypes have provided a considerable contribution to the field of surgical simulation. By designing simulator prototypes, the trainees have demonstrated their 'out of the box' thinking capability, which is of paramount importance for the development of future innovative surgical techniques and procedures. The Valladolid cardiac team coronary anastomosis simulator box was selected for the EACTS Ethicon Simulation Award 2011. This project will be mass produced and distributed to the participants of structured simulation sessions for coronary anastomoses.

Simulation-Based Skill Training for Trainees in Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review

“…Cardiac surgery is a specialty that requires a high level of dexterity, and deliberative practice plays a significant role in skills mastery [5]. After the call for educational reform in cardiac surgery, many surgeons and training programs have sought to use the value of simulationbased skills training, and several simulators have been developed [6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. Training programs have concomitantly developed simulation curricula and boot camps to integrate simulation into the training process.…”

Evolution of the thoracic surgeon educator: Incorporating education science into our DNA

“…Grants from the Western Thoracic Surgical Association and the European Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery (EACTS) have led to the development of several high-and low-fidelity cardiac and thoracic simulators. 11,12 Although simulation can be an important component of surgical skills training, it is essential to integrate Anders Ericsson's 13 concept of deliberate practice, including motivation, setting specific and realistic goals, pushing beyond one's comfort zone, being persistent, and seeking feedback.…”

Learning and training complex coronary surgery

“…The grafts used are nonbiological, with a cost of <1 Euro for up to 10 anastomoses. The actual simulator (Arroyo simulator selected through a Wiki contest 11 ) costs <30 Euros and is manufactured in a protected workshop in the Czech Republic. It can be replaced by a low-cost 3-dimensional cardboard model.…”