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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
Simulator Training for Endovascular Neurosurgery
Published on: May 6, 2020
Virtual reality simulation in endovascular surgical training
J S Tsang1, P A Naughton, S Leong
1Department of Vascular Surgery, RCSI, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. jutsang@rcsi.ie
Background:
Shortened trainingtimes duetothe European Working Time Directive (EWTD) and increased public scrutiny of surgical competency have led to a move away from the traditional apprenticeship model of training. Virtual reality (VR) simulation is a fascinating innovation allowing surgeons to develop without the need to practice on real patients and it may be a solution to achieve competency within a shortened training period.
Method:
A Medline search was performed to identify studies and commentaries on the use of VR simulators in endovascular training.
Findings:
Three studies on carotid stenting and four on peripheral vascular angioplasty demonstrate that simulator training is a valid, feasible and acceptable training tool. One randomised study reports that these skills learned on simulators are transferable to the operating room.
Conclusion:
VR simulators have a role in competency based, structured training of vascular interventionalists and should improve patient safety.
