Training the trainee in structural heart disease: A need for change

Thinking Outside the Box: The Interventional Surgeon

“…Kaneko [ 24 ] describes cross-training, a period of six to 12 months in interventional cardiology after formal cardiac surgery training. Kilcoyne et al [ 25 ] detail a proposed curriculum for training in structural diseases, ranging from planning, case selection, main procedures (TAVI, MitraClip®, thoracic endovascular aortic repair, PCI), and correlated procedures (transseptal access, insertion of cerebral protection devices, closure of paraprosthetic leaks, and use of alternative accesses such as the transaxillary and transcarotid).…”

Commentary: Transcatheter cardiac surgery training: What to teach?

“…Many have called for a designated Structural Heart and Valve subspecialization pathway, similar to advanced fellowships in cardiac transplant, robotic, and aortic surgery. 2,3 However, the level of involvement of a transcatheter cardiac surgeon varies between institutions in the United States and Canada. It remains unclear whether a single pathway to transcatheter or structural cardiac surgery subspecialty fellowship is necessary or if the skills can be acquired during residency.…”

Commentary: Lesson from 0.9538° S, 90.9656° W: Survival of the adaptable

“…It is trite to say that cardiac surgical practice is in a period of rapid change, and that the future belongs to the most adaptable; nevertheless, these statements are true. In this issue of the Journal, Kilcoyne and colleagues 1 argue that, as a specialty, we must adapt our educational paradigm to the current environment lest we become irrelevant if not extinct. Specifically, they challenge us to up our game in interventional skills relevant to the treatment of "structural heart disease," and they challenge the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) to set supportive case requirements.…”