Mini Mitral Simulation Simplified

MO067 

Case Video Submission 

Jennifer Perri (1), Tom C. Nguyen (2)

(1) Duke Medical Center, Durham, NC, (2) University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA

Jennifer Perri    -  Contact Me
Duke Medical Center

*Tom C. Nguyen    -  Contact Me
University of California San Francisco

Jennifer Perri    -  Contact Me
UCSF Medical Center

Objective: The purpose of this video is to illustrate the basic construction and use of a low cost, low fidelity simulator to be built by the trainee for in-home preparation in minimally invasive mitral valve repair surgery. To achieve technical proficiency, trainees must demonstrate competence with long shafted instruments before performing valve repair. The primary goal is to simulate every stitch that will be placed.

Case video summary: A simulator is constructed using a standard tissue box and three foam sheets at the box base. A drawn template is created to serve as a basis for placement of six suture types: pericardial retraction stitches, antegrade cardioplegia u-stitch, left ventricular vent u-stitch, annulus stitch, neochords, and left atriotomy closure. Practicing with long shafted instruments, the trainee can perfect needle angle, improve efficiency, and minimize errors. Simulation time from start to finish, and number of technical errors should be recorded for each iteration to set goals and achieve deliberate practice.

Conclusion: Using an inexpensive and low fidelity model, every suture step of a minimally invasive mitral valve repair can be replicated. The goal is to allow frequent practice and flatten the learning curve. Unlike all existing models, this setup allows practice of every suture step, critical in the trainee's ability to progress through the entire operation.

Mitral Valve Education