Metric based virtual simulation training for endovascular thrombectomy improves interventional neuroradiologists'...

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Neurosurgery
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• Endovascular thrombectomy is a critical procedure for stroke treatment.
• Metric-based virtual reality (VR) simulation offers a potential avenue for enhancing interventional neuroradiologists' (INR) skills.
• A pilot study was conducted to assess the feasibility and utility of VR simulation for endovascular thrombectomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and utility of VR simulation for endovascular thrombectomy training.
• To assess the impact of VR simulation on INR performance metrics.
• To gauge INR attitudes towards VR simulation training.

Main Methods:

• Six INR and four residents trained on a VR simulator (Mentice VIST 5G) using two benchmark case scenarios.
• Participants performed benchmark cases before and after VR training.
• Interventional neuroradiologists also completed a questionnaire on their expectations and attitudes toward VR simulation.

Main Results:

• All participants demonstrated improved mean total procedure times.
• Experts showed significant improvements in handling errors, reduced contrast volume, and fluoroscopy time.
• Novices exhibited significant improvements in completed steps, reduced fluoroscopy time, and radiation exposure.

Conclusions:

• VR simulation training effectively enhances INR capabilities in performing endovascular thrombectomy within the simulated environment.
• Interventional neuroradiologists generally hold positive attitudes towards VR simulation training.
• The translation of VR simulation training to enhanced clinical performance will be assessed in an ongoing national study.