 |
|
|
|
|
|
The training of congenital heart surgeons
B. E. Kogon. Emory University, Atlanta, GA,
Background: The training of congenital heart surgeons is extremely difficult, especially when outcomes depend heavily on performing such complex operations with perfection. We evaluate the experience of fellows training in pediatric heart surgery.
Methods: Fellows who completed 12 months of training within the last five years were included in the study. Questionnaires were completed by e-mail, mail, or phone correspondence.
Results: 28/42 (67%) of fellows responded. Training programs (11) performed an average of 700-800 total cases and 500-600 open cases. Each fellow assisted in an average of 250-299 operations, 200-249 of which were open, and performed an average of 75-99 operations, 50-74 of which were open. While the majority of fellows (24/28) were exposed to all types of congenital operations, they typically performed operations as the surgeon only in the risk adjusted congenital heart surgery score (RACHS) categories 1,2 and 3. 7/28 fellows performed operations with a RACHS of 4, none with a RACHS of 5, and 1/24 with a RACHS of 6. On a scale of 1-10 (10 satisfied), 28/28 fellows were satisfied with the exposure to congenital heart surgery (9.5 +/- 1.0), but only 10/28 with the operative experience (4.9 +/- 2.8). 26/28 were satisfied with the training overall (mean 7.3 +/- 1.8).
Conclusions: Challenges in the training of congenital heart surgeons remain. Regardless of the size of the training program, fellows receive excellent exposure to congenital heart surgery. Although there is dissatisfaction with the operative experience, the majority of fellows finish satisfied with their overall training experience.
Back to 32nd Annual Meeting
Back to Program Outline
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Copyright ©
The Western Thoracic Surgical Association. All Rights Reserved.
|
