Angiography-like neurovascular training without radiation utilizing optical cameras and virtual roadmap imaging

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Neuroendovascular Procedures
• Medical Imaging Technology

Background:

• Current non-virtual neurovascular training relies on radiation-heavy angiography or less realistic camera systems.
• Angiography offers high fidelity but limited accessibility; camera systems are accessible but lack realism.
• A need exists for a training system combining realism, accessibility, and radiation safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel camera-based angiography training system (CBATS).
• To create artificial angiograms and roadmaps for enhanced neurovascular training.
• To combine the advantages of existing training modalities while eliminating radiation exposure.

Main Methods:

• Integrated three aneurysm models into a neurointerventional training platform.
• Evaluated the system using neurointerventionalists across three modalities: DSA, camera-only, and CBATS.
• Conducted a questionnaire-based evaluation comparing CBATS and camera-only to conventional DSA.

Main Results:

• Ninety percent of raters found CBATS visual realism comparable to actual angiography.
• CBATS demonstrated a significant advantage over camera-only visualization.
• Eighty-nine percent of raters identified the absence of radiation as a major benefit.

Conclusions:

• The developed angiography-like training system achieves realism comparable to conventional angiography.
• CBATS offers a radiation-free alternative for neurovascular training.
• The system's portability allows setup in diverse locations, overcoming accessibility limitations.