Education in Congenital Cardiac Surgery

Educating and training new surgeons in congenital heart surgery, a highly complex surgical subspecialty with closely scrutinized outcomes, a steep learning curve, and numerous difficult procedures, presents considerable challenges. In this chapter, the authors examine the progress in surgical education relating to both adult cardiothoracic and congenital heart surgery and review innovative techniques that highlight the complexities of congenital heart anatomy. The introduction of three-dimensional print models of complex congenital heart defects has been met with great enthusiasm. Biologic simulation of surgical procedures to improve outcomes involving technical and intellectual tasks relating to preservation and safeguarding human life has been well documented. Learning complex neonatal procedures for the congenital heart surgical trainee, such as the Norwood operation, arterial switch operation, and others, is critical for clinical success and career development.