Using Engineering Methods (Kaizen and Micromovements Science) to Improve and Provide Evidence Regarding Microsurgical Hand Skills

Microsurgical interventions involve the interaction of numerous variables, making objective analysis of skill proficiency challenging. This difficulty is even more pronounced in low-resource contexts. Continuous improvement methodologies such as Kaizen-planning, doing, checking, acting (PDCA) and micromovements science (MMS) can address this issue. This study aimed to demonstrate the advantages of designing and implementing microsurgical training programs using these methodologies.

Following an extensive literature review of Kaizen-PDCA and MMS, and under the guidance of experienced neurosurgeons and engineers, a microvascular bypass training program was developed using the human placenta. Subsequently, the training program was used to analyze and describe the process of a trainee neurosurgeon in Argentina with no prior experience in microvascular anastomosis, as the operator gained proficiency.

The trainee required 12 attempts to achieve the program goals. The longest procedural time was during the first attempt (1 hour 49 minutes 05 seconds with 2 mistakes), while the shortest time was during the fourth attempt (53 minutes 29 seconds with 3 mistakes). After 12 attempts, the trainee made no mistakes, and the procedural time was reduced to 57 minutes 37 seconds. The final learning curve demonstrated a regular pattern and reached a plateau after 7 attempts.

The training program and methodology effectively assessed, facilitated, and demonstrated the acquisition of microsurgical skills. Kaizen-PDCA and MMS enabled the effective use of expert experience, detailed evaluation of microsurgical procedures, and integration into a continuous improvement cycle. The program structure could also be valuable for teaching, evaluating, and enhancing similar surgical procedures.