Research Mentor Name

Lauren Malinzak, MD

Research Mentor Email Address

LMALINZ1@hfhs.org

Institution / Department

Henry Ford Hospital

Document Type

Research Abstract

Research Type

medicaleducation

Graduate Level Research

no

Abstract

Title: Development and Assessment of a Low-Fidelity Aortic Cross-Clamping Simulation Model

Authors: Abdulnaser Zamzami(1), BS; Omer Abdullah(1), BS; Trisha Ray(1), BS; Lauren Malinzak(2), MD

Wayne State School of Medicine(1)

Division of Transplant Surgery, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan(2)

Background: Aortic cross-clamping is a high-stakes, technically challenging procedure typically reserved for highly-trained staff, which often excludes resident experience, leaving a crucial training gap for emergency situations. To address this, a mini-curriculum and 3-D hands-on simulation model for supra-celiac and infra-renal clamping were developed.

Methods: Participants, including medical students and up to fourth-year residents, completed pre- and post-surveys as well as hands-on practice. Metrics tracked included self-reported confidence and recorded clamping times.

Results: Twenty participants completed matched surveys. Significant improvements were seen in both efficiency and confidence. Average clamping times decreased by over one minute, dropping from 3 minutes, 4 seconds to 2 minutes, 2 seconds. Confidence scores, on a 1-10 scale, showed dramatic increases: supra-celiac clamping confidence rose by 4.55 points, infra-renal clamping confidence rose by 4.46 points, and overall assist confidence rose by 3.40 points. All participants reported increased confidence in independently performing the procedure. The model's hands-on simulation, tactile feedback, and intuitive use were rated highly for reinforcing anatomical knowledge and boosting skill acquisition.

Conclusion: We debuted an aortic cross clamp model demonstrating strong potential for enhancing surgical confidence, efficiency, and understanding in a low-stress environment. The model significantly reduced performance time, confirming its utility for high-stakes skill acquisition and curriculum integration.

Disciplines

Medical Education | Medicine and Health Sciences

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