The evolution of design: a novel thoracoscopic diaphragmatic hernia repair simulator.

As advanced minimally invasive techniques have become more prevalent, there has been an increase in the number of pediatric surgeons performing thoracoscopic repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Opportunities to learn and practice this procedure are few. The use of a simulation model for thoracoscopic CDH repair may help reduce errors in the operating room. Prototypes for low and high fidelity CDH repair simulators were designed and built. These prototypes allow pediatric surgery trainees the opportunity to learn and practice thoracoscopic CDH repair before performing this operation on infants.