Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
Simulator Training for Endovascular Neurosurgery
Published on: May 6, 2020
Virtual reality-based simulation training for ventriculostomy: an evidence-based approach.
Clemens M Schirmer1, J Bradley Elder, Ben Roitberg
1*Division of Neurosurgery, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts; ‡Department of Neurosurgery, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; §Department of Neurological Surgery, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio; ¶Section of Neurosurgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; ‖Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Virtual reality (VR) simulation enhances neurosurgical resident training for ventriculostomy placement. This simulation-based training improved both didactic knowledge and practical skills, validating VR as an effective teaching tool.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Medical Simulation
- Surgical Education
Background:
- Virtual reality (VR) simulation is crucial for neurosurgical resident training.
- The Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) developed a VR curriculum for common neurosurgical disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance neurosurgical resident training for ventriculostomy placement using simulation-based training.
Main Methods:
- A course-based neurosurgical simulation curriculum was implemented at CNS annual meetings.
- A trauma module focused on ventriculostomy placement, including didactic and simulator-based instruction.
- Pretests, posttests, and questionnaires assessed skill improvement and simulator validation.
Main Results:
- Written scores improved significantly from 75% to 87.5%.
- Participants showed significant improvements in anatomy, burr hole placement, catheter location, and procedure time.
- Senior residents demonstrated better trajectory planning, while junior residents improved in anatomy identification and procedure time.
Conclusions:
- VR ventriculostomy placement training complements standard methods for neurosurgical trauma management.
- The study validates VR simulators as effective teaching tools, evidenced by improved participant knowledge and skills.
