Novel Image-Guided Simulator for Transcervical Intralaryngeal Injection Training.

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Surgical Education
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Transcervical intralaryngeal injection (TII) is a crucial procedure in otolaryngology.
• Traditional training methods for TII may lack sufficient realism and feedback.
• Enhancing resident skills and confidence in TII is essential for patient safety and procedural outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel 3D-printed larynx simulation model integrated with Brainlab Image Guidance for TII training.
• To compare the impact of this advanced model against conventional training methods on resident skill and confidence.

Main Methods:

• Otolaryngology residents (n=16) were trained using a 3D-printed larynx model derived from CT scans.
• One group received training with Brainlab Image Guidance (LMIG), while the control group (LM) used the model without image guidance.
• Confidence was assessed via pre- and post-training surveys; accuracy was measured by the Brainlab system's needle placement analysis.

Main Results:

• Residents showed a significant increase in confidence post-training (1.56 to 2.75 on a 5-point scale).
• The LMIG group achieved statistically significant reductions in needle placement target distances (3.5mm right, 3.6mm left) compared to the LM group.
• Procedural confidence significantly increased more in the LMIG group than in the LM group.

Conclusions:

• The 3D-printed larynx model with Brainlab Image Guidance enhances both procedural confidence and accuracy for otolaryngology residents performing TII.
• This simulation-based approach offers a significant advantage over conventional training, providing realistic tactile feedback and live instrument positioning.
• The model facilitates surgical skill refinement in a controlled, risk-free environment, potentially improving TII outcomes.