Simulation and industry partnership in vascular surgery education

Abstract

Objective

Simulation training improves resident open and endovascular technique and increases efficiency in the operating room, meeting costs and allocating time to curriculum development are obstacles for the leadership of surgical residencies. In this paper, we provide a narrative review of the types of simulation and the role industry has in simulation. We also explain how our institution utilized medical device sponsorship in a cost-efficient, non-biased way.

Methods

Vascular surgery trainees and surgeons were invited to two local, in-person simulation events, focusing on the management of aortic aneurysms and peripheral vascular disease. Pre- and post-surveys were sent to participants, and the results were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Survey score means were compared via paired t-test with significance set at P < .05.

Results

Benchtop anastomotic models, animal/cadaveric models, and virtual reality have been adopted in many surgical programs and can each provide practice to different levels of skill. Although industry is supportive of simulation curriculums, little is published regarding the role it plays and ways to reduce conflict of interest. At our local simulation events, trainees showed significant improvement in confidence ratings.

Conclusions

Industry sponsorship has been able to support many educational endeavors. In our experience, we attempted to reduce conflict of interest by focusing on device company participation and nonpartisan, physician-lead didactics. There is a great need for future research in surgical education and industry partnership.