Unleashing surgical skills: Ultra-high fidelity trauma thoracotomy training on knowledge donor platform

Abstract

Background: Resuscitative thoracotomies are a time-sensitive emergency surgical procedure with an immediate risk of mortality. We hypothesize that a high-fidelity whole-body donor simulation model, referred to as a Knowledge Donor (KD), with mechanical lung ventilation and expired human blood perfusion could increase learner confidence in performing this critical procedure. Methods: General surgery residents and faculty were invited to participate in KD training. Surveys were collected to track participation and confidence. Results: Simulated resuscitative thoracotomies were performed involving PGY levels I-IV. Mean confidence was highest for residents with both KD and Live Patient experience (5.6 ​± ​1.7), followed by Live Patient only (4.3 ​± ​2.5), and KD only (2.6 ​± ​1.3). The mean confidence rating for residents with neither training opportunity was 1.4 ​± ​1.0. Conclusions: The KD platform is a hyper-realistic training modality that closely replicates live surgery. This platform allows residents to practice complex surgical procedures in a safe environment, without risking patient safety. This pilot program yielded early results in improving resident procedural confidence for high-risk surgical procedures, specifically resuscitative thoracotomies.