Progressive simulation-based program for training cardiac surgery-related skills.

Off Pump Coronary Artery Bypass (OPCAB) surgery is a strategy for revascularizing diseased coronary arteries without cardiopulmonary bypass. The complete operation can be deconstructed into individual tasks and subtasks that are ideal for creating simulation modules. Recently, we have developed a modular mechanical beating-heart OPCAB simulator for use in learner-centered training. In the present study, we describe the design of a progressive, simulation-augmented training program for OPCAB surgery. In particular, we a) define need-driven education and training goals, b) create simulation scenarios with progressive difficulty to specifically address these goals, and c) design corresponding assessment tools for both formative and summative purposes.