Attempts on sternotomy AVR cases | Wetlab | Team based simulation | Visit to specialist centre | Visit from Proctor to unit | |
Mini thoracotomy | √ | √ | √ | ||
Aortic occlusion | √ | √ | |||
Knot pushing | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
Automated knot fasteners for example, CorKnot | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
Retrograde cardioplegia/venting via internal jugular vein | √ | √ | √ | √ | |
Thoracoscopic adjunct | √ | √ | √ | ||
The use of sutureless AVR prostheses | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
ART, anterior right thoracotomy; AVR, aortic valve replacement.