Artificial Intelligence and Extended Reality in the Training of Vascular Surgeons: A Narrative Review.

Abstract

Background: The rapid shift from open to endovascular techniques in vascular surgery has significantly decreased trainee exposure to high-stakes open procedures. Simulation-based training, especially that incorporating virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI), provides a promising way to bridge this skill gap.

Objective: This narrative review aims to assess the current evidence on the integration of extended reality (XR) and AI into vascular surgeon training, focusing on technical skill development, performance evaluation, and educational results.

Methods: We reviewed the literature on AI- and XR-enhanced surgical education across various specialties, focusing on validated cognitive learning theories, simulation methods, and procedure-specific training. This review covered studies on general, neurosurgical, orthopedic, and vascular procedures, along with recent systematic reviews and consensus statements.

Results: VR-based training speeds up skill learning, reduces procedural mistakes, and enhances both technical and non-technical skills. AI-powered platforms provide real-time feedback, performance benchmarking, and objective skill evaluations. In vascular surgery, high-fidelity simulations have proven effective for training in carotid artery stenting, EVAR, rAAA management, and peripheral interventions. Patient-specific rehearsal, haptic feedback, and mixed-reality tools further improve realism and readiness. However, challenges like cost, data security, algorithmic bias, and the absence of long-term outcome data remain.

Conclusions: XR and AI technologies are transforming vascular surgical education by providing scalable, evidence-based alternatives to traditional training methods. Future integration into curricula should focus on ethical use, thorough validation, and alignment with cognitive learning frameworks. A structured approach that combines VR, simulation, cadaver labs, and supervised practice may be the safest and most effective way to train the next generation of vascular surgeons.