Utilization of and perceived need for simulators in clinical electrophysiology: results from an EHRA physician survey

BACKGROUND: Simulators training have been recently introduced in EP programs in order to improve catheter manipulation skills without complication risks. AIM: To survey the current use of EP simulators and the perceived need of these tools in clinical training and practice. METHODS: A 20-item online questionnaire developed by the Scientific Initiatives Committee of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) in collaboration with EHRA Digital Committee was disseminated through the EHRA Scientific Research Network members, national EP groups, and social media platforms. RESULTS: Seventy-four respondents from 22 countries (73% male; 50% under 40 years old) completed the survey. Despite being perceived useful among EP professionals (81%), EP simulators are rarely part of the institutional cardiology training program (20%) and only 18% of the respondents have an EP simulator at their institution. When available, simulators are mainly used in EP to train transseptal puncture, ablation and mapping, followed by device implantation (CRT-P/D, leadless and conduction system pacing). Almost all respondents (96%) believe that simulator programs should be part of the routine institutional EP training, hopefully developed by EHRA, in order to improve efficacy and safety of EP procedures and in particular conduction system pacing (CSP) 58%, CRT 42% and leadless pacing 38%, or complex arrhythmias ablations (58% VT, PVI 45% and PVC 42%). CONCLUSIONS: This current EHRA survey identified a perceived need but lack of institutional simulator program access for electrophysiologists who could benefit from it in order to speed up the learning curve process and reduce complications of complex EP procedures.