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Simulator Training for Endovascular Neurosurgery
Published on: May 6, 2020
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High-fidelity, simulation-based microsurgical training for neurosurgical residents
Brendan Santyr1, Mohamad Abbass1, Alan Chalil1
11Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
Neurosurgical Focus
|August 2, 2022
Summary
High-fidelity microsurgical simulation training significantly improves neurosurgery residents' skills. This comprehensive curriculum enhances operative performance and skill durability in the clinical setting.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Medical Education
- Surgical Simulation
Background:
- Microsurgical skills are crucial for neurosurgery.
- Traditional training methods may not be sufficient.
- Simulation offers a valuable supplement to operative training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive, longitudinal microsurgical training curriculum for neurosurgery residents.
- To assess the impact of this simulation curriculum on objective measures of operating room performance.
Main Methods:
- A 1-year curriculum with 17 sessions using live rat femoral artery and perfused duck wing models.
- Trainees (PGY-2) practiced live microvascular anastomosis.
- Performance was video-recorded and assessed using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) Global Rating Scale.
Main Results:
- Significant improvement in 6 measurable skills during the curriculum (p < 0.001).
- Mean overall scores improved with practice across all live anastomotic modules.
- Trained residents showed greater independent performance in surgical maneuvers at PGY-5 and PGY-6 levels.
Conclusions:
- High-fidelity microsurgical simulation training demonstrably improves microneurosurgical skills.
- Acquired skills show promising transferability to the operative environment and durability.
- Further investigation into skill transfer and long-term durability is ongoing.
