Continuous Instrument Tracking in a Cerebral Corticectomy Ex Vivo Calf Brain Simulation Model: Face and Content...

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery Simulation
• Surgical Education Technology

Background:

• Subpial corticectomy is a critical neurosurgical skill requiring precise lesion resection while preserving delicate brain structures.
• Mastering this bimanual task is essential for neurosurgical trainees.
• Current training methods may lack objective assessment of instrument movement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an ex vivo calf brain corticectomy simulation model.
• To incorporate continuous assessment of surgical instrument movement.
• To evaluate the face and content validity of the simulation model.

Main Methods:

• Development of an ex vivo calf brain model for subpial corticectomy simulation.
• Trainees performed simulated resections in three defined areas.
• Face and content validity were assessed using 7-point Likert scale questionnaires in a case series.

Main Results:

• The study included 12 skilled and 11 less skilled participants.
• Median face validity score was 6.0 (range 4.0-6.0).
• Median content validity score was 6.0 (range 3.5-7.0).
• No statistically significant differences in validity scores were found between skilled and less skilled groups.

Conclusions:

• A novel ex vivo calf brain simulator was successfully developed.
• The simulator effectively replicates the subpial resection procedure.
• The model demonstrated strong face and content validity, supporting its utility in surgical training.