Low-cost endoscopic third ventriculostomy simulator with mimetic endoscope

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Simulation
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Hydrocephalus affects 1 in 500 people in the US, with a high failure rate for traditional ventricular shunting.
• Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is an alternative treatment, but resident training is limited by lack of practice opportunities.
• Existing training models are often expensive and inaccessible to many neurosurgical residents.

Observation:

• A patient-specific ETV simulator and mimetic endoscope were created using open-source software and 3D printing.
• The simulator's brain mold, made from a silicone mixture, underwent compression and shearing modulus testing.
• A silicone/Slacker ratio of 10:6 to 10:7 was found to mimic human brain parenchyma properties.

Findings:

• The developed ETV simulator and endoscope were successfully created at a low cost (US$123 excluding 3D printer).
• 87% of participants found the simulator highly useful for resident training.
• 93% of participants agreed the simulator improved endoscopic orientation skills.

Implications:

• This affordable, accessible ETV simulator can significantly enhance neurosurgical resident training.
• It allows safe, hands-on practice of endoscopic procedures, potentially improving patient outcomes.
• The use of open-source software and 3D printing offers a scalable solution for medical simulation development.