Device and technology helping to teach video-assisted thoracic surgery

Despite the evident and evidence-based clinical advantages of the video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) approach, traditional thoracotomy is still the favored method for major pulmonary resections, mainly due to the length of the learning curve for thoracic surgeons. Acknowledging the current teaching and learning challenges for both young trainees and mentors in achieving the necessary skills in order to perform VATS procedures safely, we reviewed available literature looking for different simulation tools and teaching strategies that might help young surgeons in the task. PubMed was explored for English language articles published between 2005 and 2020 reporting on different techniques used in surgical training to develop necessary surgical skills in minimally invasive surgery. The research was conducted using the following is believed that integrating simulators into the usual physical training model might represent an effective solution to help junior surgeons overcome and shorten the initial learning curve, reducing, therefore, the volume of training time required in the operating room. Simulation systems, in addition to on-field supervised direct operating room experience, might be helpful in allowing both junior and senior surgeons to improve their soft and hard skills, reducing the broad minimally invasive surgery learning curve.