Preliminary validation of the virtual bariatric endoscopic simulator.

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Surgical Training
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Obesity is a global health issue requiring effective weight loss solutions.
• Bariatric surgery, like endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), offers significant benefits but faces accessibility challenges.
• Training in complex minimally invasive endoscopic procedures, such as ESG, is crucial but difficult.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate the virtual bariatric endoscopic (ViBE) simulator for endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) training.
• To enhance the learning curve for endoscopic suturing and ESG techniques.
• To improve the accessibility of bariatric surgery by facilitating skill acquisition.

Main Methods:

• Designed the ViBE simulator with realistic endoscope, suturing system, and stomach model.
• Incorporated performance metrics for tasks including argon plasma coagulation (APC) marking, suturing, and cinching.
• Validated the simulator with experts and novices at Indiana University School of Medicine.

Main Results:

• Participants rated APC task realism highly (3.83).
• Simulator usefulness for improving endoscopic skills received positive feedback (average 3.08).
• Experts demonstrated superior performance over novices by 10.83 points.

Conclusions:

• The ViBE simulator accurately replicates ESG procedures in a virtual environment.
• The simulator aims to shorten the learning curve for ESG techniques.
• ViBE has the potential to expand access to bariatric surgery by improving surgeon proficiency.