Method of endoscopic cardiac surgery training

Abstract

A method and apparatus for training for cardiac surgery using endoscopic techniques are provided. The apparatus comprises a model thorax having an internal cavity and a plurality of ribs, intercostal spaces between the ribs through which an endoscopic instrument can be inserted during use of the model, and a heart located in the internal cavity and removably connected to the model, the heart having a coronary artery on which surgical training can be performed during use of the model. The apparatus also comprises a sternum located on the anterior aspect of the thorax, and at least one internal mammary artery located on a posterior surface of the sternum. The apparatus can also include a fluid system in communication with the heart and providing pressurized fluid to the coronary artery, such that cutting the artery simulates bleeding as the pressurized fluid effuses from the artery.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of training to perform endoscopic cardiac surgery, comprising: 
 providing a model human thorax having an anterior aspect and a posterior aspect, the model thorax comprising an internal cavity, at least one artery, a first rib, and a second rib;    providing a model heart located in the internal cavity and removably connected to the model thorax;    providing a fluid system in fluid communication with the model heart and providing pressurized fluid to the at least one artery;    inserting an endoscopic cutting instrument through a space between the first rib and the second rib; and    cutting the at least one artery with the instrument, such that simulated bleeding occurs when the pressurized fluid effuses from the at least one artery.    
     
     
         2 . The method of    claim 1   , wherein the at least one artery comprises a model coronary artery connected to the heart.  
     
     
         3 . The method of    claim 2   , further comprising endoscopically interposing a model vein graft between the model coronary artery and a model aorta that is connected to the heart.  
     
     
         4 . The method of    claim 1   , wherein the model thorax further comprises a model sternum on the anterior aspect of the model thorax, and wherein the at least one artery comprises a model internal mammary artery adjacent to a posterior surface of the model sternum.  
     
     
         5 . The method of    claim 4   , wherein the at least one artery further comprises a model coronary artery, and wherein the method further comprises endoscopically anastomosing the model coronary artery to the model internal mammary artery.