Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-9-2025

Publication Title

JVS-Vascular Insights

Abstract

Background: Exposure to open vascular case is declining in surgical training, creating a need for standardized, objective assessment of fundamental open skills. The Association of Program Directors in Vascular Surgery developed the Fundamentals of Vascular Surgery (FVS) curriculum to teach and assess three core skills—end-to-side anastomosis, patch angioplasty, and clockface precision suturing. This study describes FVS development and validation, nationwide rollout, and early implementation experience across U.S. training programs. Methods: A multiphase project was conducted: (1) validation (2012–2019) of the 3 FVS tasks with 313 trainees scored by trained raters using OSATS checklists and global rating scales; reliability and construct validity were assessed, including blinded secondary evaluations; (2) national rollout in 2024 with the distribution of FVS kits and online resources to integrated vascular residency programs; and (3) a 2025 Association of Program Directors in Vascular Surgery survey of program directors to characterize uptake, use patterns, perceived value, and barriers to implementation. Results: Performance on FVS tasks correlated strongly with training level (combined score r ≈ 0.93), with high inter-rater reliability (Cronbach's α ≈ 0.93) and internal consistency (α ≈ 0.89). Each model discriminated junior from senior trainees. A finished-product-only review correlated less accurately with experience, supporting direct observation by trained evaluators. In the program director survey (35/78 responses), 42% had integrated FVS into their curriculum. Implementing programs reported improved assessment fidelity, effective remediation, and strong trainee engagement; all found it meaningful and all but one valued it for assessment. The most commonly cited barriers among nonimplementers were limited time and faculty bandwidth; successful sites commonly had dedicated faculty leadership and protected simulation time. Conclusions: FVS is a feasible and low-cost simulation curriculum that standardizes the assessment of essential open vascular skills. Early national experience shows a meaningful educational impact where implemented, but broader adoption will require protected time and faculty engagement. Future priorities include optimizing delivery (including remote/video-based assessment), supporting faculty development, expanding use beyond vascular surgery, and linking FVS performance to clinical outcomes.

Volume

3

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