Development of A Multi-Modality Navigational Based Training System for Fetoscopic Surgical Therapy

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Education Technology
• Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Fetal surgery is a complex, minimally invasive field requiring specialized training.
• Current Surgical Apprenticeship Training (SAT) models are limited by rare procedures, leading to slow learning curves and higher complication rates.
• Objective assessment tools are needed to enhance fetal surgical training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel simulated training system for fetal surgery.
• To implement a Proficiency-Based Training (PBT) model with optical tracking technology for quantitative skill assessment.
• To provide real-time feedback on surgical tool navigation and technical skills.

Main Methods:

• Development of a simulated training system using optical tracking technology.
• Integration of real-time positional feedback for surgical instruments.
• Creation of a scoring assessment tool based on the Proficiency-Based Training (PBT) model.
• Evaluation of the system's validity through clinical feedback.

Main Results:

• The novel training system provides real-time positional feedback of surgical tools.
• The system offers a quantitative assessment of surgical residents' technical skills.
• Clinical feedback validated the system, deeming it a significant advancement in surgical training.
• The system is adaptable for complex surgical training globally, especially for facilities with limited opportunities.

Conclusions:

• The developed optical tracking-based simulation system effectively supports Proficiency-Based Training (PBT) in fetal surgery.
• This innovative approach offers objective, quantitative feedback, overcoming limitations of traditional apprenticeship models.
• The technology has the potential to democratize access to advanced surgical training worldwide, benefiting diverse clinical settings.