Lean manufacturing is currently one of the most widely used philosophies in the world. Prior to Lean, simulation emerged as an extremely powerful tool for analysis, comparison and learning. Despite the common objective, there are few records of joint studies. The objective of the present study is to perform a literature review and identify, which are the principles and tools of lean production used in the area of health care and the contributions of computer simulation, in the process of implementation and maintenance. The methodology used was the literature review and bibliometric analysis. The data were collected between the months of December 2020 and February 2021. At the end of the survey, 34 studies were classified for analysis. A relevant aspect is the identification of the role of simulation in the process of implementing and maintaining Lean. It is noticed that the joint contribution is greater than the isolated application, however, studies show that the application is restricted to one sector, in a greater proportion, emergency sectors. Among the most used tools is the flow mapping and the identification of value activities in the customer's view. Among the barriers identified, the lack of data or the need to collect information, in a preliminary way, related to the times, flow of care for patients or professionals, stands out. It is noted, a significant potential of this duet, however, the measurement of the results obtained after the application of the tools, seems to be a gap to be explored in the future
