Superiority of simulator-based training compared with conventional training methodologies in the performance of transseptal catheterization

摘要

Objectives This study aims to compare the performance of electrophysiology fellows in transseptal catheterization (TSP-C)\udafter conventional (Conv-T) or simulator training (Sim-T).\udBackground Current training for TSP-C, an increasingly used procedure, relies on performance on patients with supervision by\udan experienced operator. Virtual reality, a new training option, could improve post-training performance.\udMethods Fellows inexperienced in TSP-C were enrolled and randomly assigned to Conv-T or Sim-T. The post-training performance\udof each fellow was evaluated and scored in 3 consecutive patient-based procedures by an experienced\udoperator blinded to the fellow’s training assignment.\udResults Fourteen fellows were randomized to Conv-T (n 7) or to Sim-T (n 7) and, after training, performed 42 TSP-Cs\udindependently. Training time was significantly longer for Conv-T than for Sim-T (median 30 days vs. 4 days;\udp 0.0175). The Conv-T fellows had significantly lower post-training performance scores (median 68 vs. 95;\udp 0.0001) and a higher number of recurrent errors (median 3 vs. 0; p 0.0006) when compared with Sim-T\udfellows.\udConclusions The TSP-C training with virtual reality results in shorter training times and superior post-training\udperformance.