The study aimed to compare the early outcomes and long-term survival of mitral valve surgery performed by trainee residents versus experienced consultant surgeons to assess safety and efficacy.
A total of 1,742 patients were analyzed, with 1,622 surgeries by consultants and 120 by trainees, using propensity score matching to reduce bias.
Results showed no significant differences in complications or long-term survival rates between the two groups after matching, although the consultant group had higher in-hospital mortality before matching.