The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Aug 2023
Meta AnalysisOutcomes of cardiac surgical procedures performed by trainees versus consultants: A systematic review with meta-analysis.
Cardiac surgery is highly demanding and the ideal teaching method to reach competency is widely debated. Some studies have shown that surgical trainees can safely perform full operations with equivocal outcomes compared with their consultant colleagues while under supervision. We aimed to compare outcomes after cardiac surgery with supervised trainee involvement versus consultant-led procedures. ⋯ In the right conditions, good outcomes are possible in cardiac surgery with trainee involvement. Carefully designed training programs ensuring graduated hands-on operative exposure as primary operator with appropriate supervision is fundamental to maintain high-quality training in the development of excellent cardiac surgeons.