key: cord-0969634-l39pf1dh
authors: Drevets, Peter D.; Lee, Richard
title: Commentary: How to create a cardiac surgery simulator in the era of two-day shipping
date: 2021-06-11
journal: JTCVS Tech
DOI: 10.1016/j.xjtc.2021.06.005
sha: 89125b413c1310020eef4e6b3cae1f330712bbd6
doc_id: 969634
cord_uid: l39pf1dh

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devices fill an existing need. A direct comparison of the authors' model to similar simulation devices is needed. Existing simulators, like the Ramphal Cardiac Surgery Simulator, rely on porcine material and require extensive setup. Certainly, no trainee has access to a Ramphal simulator in their home, and the potential portability of the authors device is appealing. However, with cadaver laboratories, simulation laboratories, and education sessions available, is there a niche to fill? Finally, will timestressed trainees actually be interested in using the device? More material for additional study.

The authors suggest that in the coronavirus disease 2019 era, virtual platforms are important to surgical training. While we are currently in the coronavirus disease 2019 era now, we likely will not be in the future. Virtual and home training sessions may struggle to maintain relevance after the end of the current pandemic. The proposed use of the device in-between cases to practice a recently learned skill is interesting, provided the device is effective and superior to existing equipment available in the hospital setting. More intriguing are the authors' comments on the possibility of remote teaching via video-based applications. This possibility is not unique to this device, however.

Without study validation, the proposed devices will likely remain an interesting idea. However, many great ideas have humble beginnings. Prospective studies are forthcoming, and the results will be interesting. The creativity and innovative thinking exhibited by the authors is excellent and should Cardiothoracic trainees believe that practice outside the operating room is important. Portable training devices created from household items increase access to cardiac surgery simulation.

Do-it-yourself simulators and building a culture of practice in the virtual era

be encouraged. Amazon began in a garage, there is no reason the next device to revolutionize cardiac surgical simulation cannot arise from a similar origin.