Abstract: Objective Endovascular simulation has been promoted as an educational tool for vascular surgeons in a safe environment and improve basic technical skills. But it has not been used in the training of medical students. We sought to determine whether an established endovascular training course for medical students could increase technical proficiency, enhance interest in vascular surgery. Methods We recruited 30 3rd year medical school students from Peking Union Medical School prospectively. We gave these students an eight-week course with a structured curriculum comprised of weekly simulator sessions and theoretical lessons. A test of iliac artery balloon dilatation was conducted in pre- and post-course. Performance was assessed by experts using a standardized global endovascular rating scale and objective procedural metrics collected from the simulator. Demographics and subjective survey data, including interest in vascular surgery were obtained pre- and post-course from the students too. Results Parameters measured on the standardized global endovascular rating scale, including angiography skills, wire handling and interventional criteria as well as simulator-generated metrics such as fluoroscopy time and volume of contrast used significantly improved from pre- to post-course values for the medical students(p<0.05) All the students agreed or strongly agreed that the simulation course increased their interest in vascular surgery. Conclusions A simulation-based endovascular course provides an educational tool that improves basic technical performance and increases interest in vascular surgery among medical students. The simulator has big potential in the medical students training programs.

Key words: Vascular surgery, Endovascular therapy, Endovascular Simulation, Education, Medical student