Multimodal Haptic Simulation for Ventriculostomy Training.

Freehand ventriculostomy is a frequent surgical procedure and is among the first ones that junior neurosurgery residents learn. Although training simulators exist, none has been adopted in the clinical routine to train junior residents. This paper focuses on a novel multimodal haptic training simulator that will lift the limitations of current simulators. We thus propose an architecture that integrates (1) visual feedback through augmented MRIs, and (2) a physical mock-up of the patient's skull to (3) active haptic feedback.

Augmented reality simulation as training model of ventricular puncture: Evidence in the improvement of the quality of punctures.

BACKGROUND: Ventricular puncture is a common procedure in neurosurgery and the first that resident must learn. Ongoing education is critical to improving patient outcomes. However, training at the expense of potential risk to patients warrants new and safer training methods for residents. METHODS: An augmented reality (AR) simulator for the practice of ventricular punctures was designed. It consists of a navigation system with a virtual 3D projection of the anatomy over a 3D-printed patient model. Forty-eight participants from neurosurgery staff performed two free-hand ventricular punctures before and after a training session. RESULTS: Participants achieved enhanced accuracy in reaching the target at the Monro foramen after practicing with the system. Additional metrics revealed significantly better trajectories after the training. CONCLUSION: The study confirms the feasibility of AR as a training tool. This motivates future work towards standardising new educative methodologies in neurosurgery.

Overcoming Barriers in Neurosurgical Education: A Novel Approach to Practical Ventriculostomy Simulation.

BACKGROUND: In the high-risk, high-stakes specialty of neurosurgery, traditional teaching methods often fail to provide young residents with the proficiency needed to perform complex procedures in stressful situations, with direct effects on patient outcomes. Physical simulators provide the freedom of focused, hands-on training in a more controlled environment. However, the adoption of simulators in neurosurgical training remains a challenge because of high acquisition costs, complex production processes, and lack of realism. OBJECTIVE: To introduce an easily reproducible, cost-effective simulator for external ventricular drain placements through various ventriculostomy approaches with life-like tactile brain characteristics based on real patients' data. METHODS: Whole brain and skull reconstruction from patient's computed tomography and MRI data were achieved using freeware and a desktop 3-dimensional printer. Subsequently, a negative brain silicone mold was created. Based on neurosurgical expertise and rheological measurements of brain tissue, gelatin in various concentrations was tested to cast tactilely realistic brain simulants. A sample group of 16 neurosurgeons and medical students tested and evaluated the simulator in respect to realism, haptics, and general usage, scored on a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: We saw a rapid and significant improvement of accuracy among novice medical students. All participants deemed the simulator as highly realistic, effective, and superior to conventional training methods. CONCLUSION: We were able to demonstrate that building and implementing a high-fidelity simulator for one of the most important neurosurgical procedures as an effective educational and training tool is achievable in a timely manner and without extensive investments.

Determinants of accuracy of freehand external ventricular drain placement by neurosurgical trainees.

BACKGROUND: The external ventricular drain (EVD) placement is one of the most common neurosurgical procedures. This operation is performed by freehand technique in the majority of cases; therefore, the operator's experience plays an important role in success and possible morbidity of this procedure. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy and safety of EVD placement by junior neurosurgery residents and factors predicting accuracy of EVD placement. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study conducted at our academic medical center, between September 2017 and August 2018. All patients 18 years or older who required EVD placement were included. The accuracy and complications of EVD placement were assessed in the first and second year resident cohorts as well as by their level of experience, using descriptive statistics. Univariate and multivariate models were used to assess predictive factors for optimal EVD. RESULTS: A total of 100 EVDs were placed in 100 patients during the study period. According to Kakarla classification, the catheter was optimally placed in 80% of cases. The first year residents had a significantly higher rate of suboptimal burr hole placement compared to the second year residents (66.7% versus 27.1%, p = 0.004). The trainees with less than 10 EVD placement experience also had a significantly higher rate of suboptimal burr hole placement (55.2% vs. 23.9%, p = 0.003), significantly longer duration of operation (43.1 min ± 14.9SD vs 34.2 min ± 9.6 p = 0.005), and significantly lower rate of optimal EVD location (85.9% versus 65.5%, p = 0.023). Optimal location of the burr hole was the only significant predictor of optimal EVD placement in multivariate analysis (OR 11.9, 95% CI 3.2-44.6, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Neurosurgery residents experience and optimal burr hole placement are the main predicators of accurate EVD placement.

A Review of Physical Simulators for Neuroendoscopy Skills Training.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive neurosurgical approaches reduce patient morbidity by providing the surgeon with better visualization and access to complex lesions, with minimal disruption to normal anatomy. The use of rigid or flexible neuroendoscopes, supplemented with a conventional stereoscopic operating microscope, has been integral to the adoption of these techniques. Neurosurgeons commonly use neuroendoscopes to perform the ventricular and endonasal approaches. It is challenging to learn neuroendoscopy skills from the existing apprenticeship model of surgical education. The training methods, which use simulation-based systems, have achieved wide acceptance. Physical simulators provide anatomic orientation and hands-on experience with repeatability. Our aim is to review the existing physical simulators on the basis of the skills training of neuroendoscopic procedures. METHODS: We searched Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, IEEE Xplore, and dblp. We used the following keywords "neuroendoscopy," "training," "simulators," "physical," and "skills evaluation." A total of 351 articles were screened based on development methods, evaluation criteria, and validation studies on physical simulators for skills training in neuroendoscopy. RESULTS: The screening of the articles resulted in classifying the physical training methods developed for neuroendoscopy surgical skills into synthetic simulators and box trainers. The existing simulators were compared based on their design, fidelity, trainee evaluation methods, and validation studies. CONCLUSIONS: The state of simulation systems demands collaborative initiatives among translational research institutes. They need improved fidelity and validation studies for inclusion in the surgical educational curriculum. Learning should be imparted in stages with standardization of performance metrics for skills evaluation.

New Simulator for Neuroendoscopy: A Realistic and Attainable Model.

OBJECTIVE: To present an attainable and realistic model for neuroendoscopic simulation which replicates exercises of tissue biopsy and coagulation and membrane fenestration. METHODS: We presented a stepwise method to create a neuroendoscopic simulation model using bovine brain and membrane units made by a soda cup covered by an amniotic membrane inside an expanded polystyrene spherical container. We used face validation for preliminary evaluation. We also rated the students before and after training with the NEVAT global rating scale (GRS) and recorded the time required to complete all 3 procedures (third ventriculostomy, tissue biopsy, and coagulation). The total cost of the model was $5. RESULTS: The experts consider this new model as capable of reproducing real surgical situations with great similarity to the human brain. We tested the model in 20 trainees. The median GRS score before the training was 9 (range, 7-12). After repeated training and performance feedback, the final median GRS score was 41 (range, 37.5-45; P < 0.0001). The time needed to finish the exercises before training was 33 minutes (range, 30.5-42.5 minutes), and after using the model the final median time was 20 minutes (range, 17.5-22 minutes; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Simulators for neuroendoscopy described so far are reliable, but they entail a high cost. Models with live animals, although of lower cost, are questioned from an ethical point of view. In the current work, we describe a high fidelity ventricular neuroendoscopic simulator model that, because of its low cost, can be replicated in any training center that has a neuroendoscope.

3-Dimensional Simulation Videography for Instructional Placement of Bedside External Ventricular Drains.

We present a narrated video simulation (Video 1) using 3-dimensional anatomic software demonstrating the proper landmarks and relevant neuroanatomy for successful bedside external ventricular drain placement. External ventricular drains are commonly inserted at the bedside for emergent intracranial pressure monitoring and/or treatment of elevated intracranial pressure by cerebrospinal fluid drainage.1 Often, neurosurgical trainees perform this procedure early in their residency years.2,3 The relationship of the ventricle to the external skull landmarks may be a difficult concept to grasp for junior trainees who have had limited procedural experience. Multiple catheter passes in attempt to cannulate the ventricle are associated with increased procedural risk to the patient.2,4 Two common catheter misplacement locations leading to multiple catheter passes are lateral to the ventricle and anterior to the ventricle. In this video we highlight the relationship of the borders of the lateral ventricle to the insertion point at the skull during catheter placement. By using this resource for resident education, patient safety factors and resident procedural competence may be enhanced.

Developing a dynamic simulator for endoscopic intraventricular surgeries.

INTRODUCTION: A novel dynamic simulator brain model with hydrocephalus has been developed for endoscopic intraventricular procedures. Detachable components allow enhancement of the walls of the ventricle by choroid plexus, ependymal veins and the membranous floor of the third ventricle which are derived from cadaveric lab animal tissues to give a lifelike appearance. These can be changed for every exercise. Ventricles are filled with injection of saline to give appropriate transparent medium and connected to a device transmitting pulsations creating conditions similar to live surgeries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-five participants have used this model over the last 1 year and found it to be useful for conducting third ventriculostomy. Further development of the model for septostomy, aqueductoplasty and tumour biopsy has also been recently tested successfully by 12 participants. CONCLUSION: It is hoped that this simulator model for intraventricular endoscopy is comprehensive as a learning tool in carrying out most of the the surgical procedures currently practised.

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy to address hydrocephalus in Africa: A call for education and community-based rehabilitation.

PURPOSE: Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) and Choroid Plexus Cautery (CPC) are low-cost, safe, and promising interventions for spina bifida-associated hydrocephalus (SBHCP). The purpose of this review was to explore and describe these efforts in Africa in order to upscale surgical training and rehabilitation services. METHODS: A PubMed search for articles on ETV and CPC as management of SBHCP in Africa was performed. Two authors appraised the results for key themes in content: indications, technique, outcomes, complications, education, and rehabilitation. RESULTS: Twenty of 47 articles identified were included for appraisal. Twelve described indications, ten and seven outlined technique and complications, respectively, and four described predictors of operative success. Fourteen studies describe outcomes, including operative and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Only two outlined educational efforts. Half of the literature stems from a single site in Uganda; in total, only six countries were represented. No articles described significant post-operative rehabilitation services or related training. CONCLUSION: The experience of ETV and CPC in Africa is promising, however, efforts to train and empower local staff in surgical technique and methods to upscale post-operative community-based rehabilitation services remain as a key to long-term success.

Simulation-based Education for Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy: A Comparison Between Virtual and Physical Training Models.

BACKGROUND: The relative educational benefits of virtual reality (VR) and physical simulation models for endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) have not been evaluated "head to head." OBJECTIVE: To compare and identify the relative utility of a physical and VR ETV simulation model for use in neurosurgical training. METHODS: Twenty-three neurosurgical residents and 3 fellows performed an ETV on both a physical and VR simulation model. Trainees rated the models using 5-point Likert scales evaluating the domains of anatomy, instrument handling, procedural content, and the overall fidelity of the simulation. Paired t tests were performed for each domain's mean overall score and individual items. RESULTS: The VR model has relative benefits compared with the physical model with respect to realistic representation of intraventricular anatomy at the foramen of Monro (4.5, standard deviation [SD] = 0.7 vs 4.1, SD = 0.6; P = .04) and the third ventricle floor (4.4, SD = 0.6 vs 4.0, SD = 0.9; P = .03), although the overall anatomy score was similar (4.2, SD = 0.6 vs 4.0, SD = 0.6; P = .11). For overall instrument handling and procedural content, the physical simulator outperformed the VR model (3.7, SD = 0.8 vs 4.5; SD = 0.5, P < .001 and 3.9; SD = 0.8 vs 4.2, SD = 0.6; P = .02, respectively). Overall task fidelity across the 2 simulators was not perceived as significantly different. CONCLUSION: Simulation model selection should be based on educational objectives. Training focused on learning anatomy or decision-making for anatomic cues may be aided with the VR simulation model. A focus on developing manual dexterity and technical skills using endoscopic equipment in the operating room may be better learned on the physical simulation model.

Simulator and 2 tools: Validation of performance measures from a novel neurosurgery simulation model using the current Standards framework.

BACKGROUND: Ventriculostomy is a common neurosurgical procedure with a relatively steep learning curve. A low-cost, high-fidelity simulator paired with procedure-specific performance measures would provide a safe environment to teach ventriculostomy procedural skills. The same validated simulation model could also allow for assessment of trainees' proficiencies with measures that align with Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education milestones. This study extends previous work to evaluate validity evidence from the simulator, its newly developed performance assessment, the Ventricolostomy Procedural Assessment Tool, and the Objective Structured Assessment for Technical Skills. METHODS: After Institutional Review Board exemption, performance data were collected from 11 novice and 3 expert neurosurgeons (n = 14). Participants self-reported their ability to perform tasks on the simulator using the Ventricolostomy Procedural Assessment Tool, an 11-item, step-wise instrument with 5-point rating scales ranging from 1 (unable to perform) to 5 (performs easily and smoothly). De-identified operative performances were videotaped and independently rated by 3 neurosurgeons, using the Ventricolostomy Procedural Assessment Tool and Objective Structured Assessment for Technical Skills. We evaluated multiple sources of validity evidence (2014 Standards) to examine psychometric quality of the measures and to test our assumption that the tools could discriminate between novice and expert performances adequately. We used a multifacet Rasch model and traditional indices, such as Cronbach alpha, intraclass correlation, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test estimates. RESULTS: Validity evidence relevant to test content and response processes was supported adequately. Evidence of internal structure was supported by high interitem consistency (n = 0.95) and inter-rater agreement for most Ventricolostomy Procedural Assessment Tool items (Intraclass correlation coefficient = [0.00, 0.91]) and all Objective Structured Assessment for Technical Skills items (Intraclass correlation coefficient = [0.80, 0.93]). Overall, novices performed at a lower level than experts on both scales (P < .05), supporting evidence relevant to relationships to other variables. Deeper analysis of novice/expert ratings indicated novices attained lower performances ratings for all Ventricolostomy Procedural Assessment Tool and Objective Structured Assessment for Technical Skills items, but statistical significance was only achieved for the Objective Structured Assessment for Technical Skills items (P < .01). Rater bias estimates were favorable, supporting evidence relevant to consequences of testing. CONCLUSION: Despite a small sample, favorable evidence using current Standards supports the use of the novel simulator and both tools combined for skills training and performance assessment, but challenges (potential threats to validity) should be considered prior to implementation.

Surgeon interrater reliability in the endoscopic assessment of cistern scarring and aqueduct patency.

OBJECTIVE The success of endoscopic third ventriculostomy with choroid plexus cauterization may have associations with age, etiology of hydrocephalus, previous shunting, cisternal scarring, and possibly aqueduct patency. This study aimed to measure interrater reliability among surgeons in identifying cisternal scarring and aqueduct patency. METHODS Using published definitions of cistern scarring and aqueduct patency, 7 neuroendoscopists with training from Dr. Warf in Uganda and 7 neuroendoscopists who were not trained by Dr. Warf rated cistern status from 30 operative videos and aqueduct patency from 26 operative videos. Interrater agreement was calculated using Fleiss' kappa coefficient (κ). Fisher's 2-tailed exact test was used to identify differences in the rates of agreement between the Warf-trained and nontrained groups compared with Dr. Warf's reference answer. RESULTS Aqueduct status, among all raters, showed substantial agreement with κ = 0.663 (confidence interval [CI] 0.626-0.701); within the trained group and nontrained groups, there was substantial agreement with κ = 0.677 (CI 0.593-0.761) and κ = 0.631 (CI 0.547-0.715), respectively. The identification of cistern scarring was less reliable, with moderate agreement among all raters with κ = 0.536 (CI 0.501-0.571); within the trained group and nontrained groups, there was moderate agreement with κ = 0.555 (CI 0.477-0.633) and κ = 0.542 (CI 0.464-0.620), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the amount of agreement between groups compared with Dr. Warf's reference. CONCLUSIONS Regardless of training with Dr. Warf, all neuroendoscopists could identify scarred cisterns and aqueduct patency with similar reliability, emphasizing the strength of the published definitions. This makes the identification of this risk factor for failure generalizable for surgical decision making and research studies.

An Examination of Metrics for a Simulated Ventriculostomy Part-Task.

As one of the most commonly performed neurosurgical procedures, ventriculostomy training simulators are becoming increasingly familiar features in research institutes and teaching facilities. Despite their widespread implementations and adoption, simulators to date have not fully explored the landscape of performance metrics that reflect surgical proficiency. They opt instead for measures that are qualitative or simple to compute and conceptualize. In this paper, we examine and compare the use of various metrics to characterize the performance of users on simulated part-task ventriculostomy scenarios derived from patient data. As an initial study, we examine how our metrics relate to expert classification of scenario difficulty as well as measures of anatomical variation.

Navigation-Guided Endoscopic Intraventricular Injectable Tumor Model: Cadaveric Tumor Resection Model for Neurosurgical Training.

BACKGROUND: Intraventricular tumors present difficult challenges to the neurosurgeon. Neurosurgeons have begun to explore the possibilities of using the endoscope in the radical resection of solid intraventricular lesions. There is a steep learning curve when dealing with such lesions with an endoscope. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to create a laboratory training model for neuroendoscopic surgery of intraventricular lesions guided by the navigation system. We believe this technique is more reliable than the traditional approach using contrast injection with C-arm x-ray guidance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five formalin-fixated, latex-injected cadaveric heads were used. The arterial system was injected with red latex through the common carotid arteries, and the venous system was injected with blue latex through the internal jugular veins at the C6 vertebral level. The contrast-enhancing tumor polymer, Stratathane resin ST-504-derived polymer (SRSDP), was injected into the lateral ventricle via Frazier's point under direct endoscopic visualization and real-time neuronavigation guidance. When navigation was used for trajectory planning, the peel-away sheath was registered using a frameless navigational system (BrainLAB, Feldkirchen, Germany). A questionnaire was distributed to all participants in an endoscopic cadaveric course in which the models were used to evaluate the endoscopic tumor model. RESULTS: Neurosurgeons participating in the course performed an endoscopic approach to resect the intraventricular tumor model through an ipsilateral frontal burr hole. The properties of the SRSDP mixture could be manipulated through varying concentrations of the materials used, in order to reach the desired consistency of a nodular solid lesion and possibility for piecemeal resection. The tumor model allowed participants to compare between normal and pathologic endoscopic anatomy in the same cadaveric head. CONCLUSION: This injectable tumor model with the combination of neuroendoscopy and navigation can improve the accuracy of the endoscopic approach and minimize the risk of cadaveric brain specimen damage that in return augments the feeling of lifelike conditions. Using this endoscopic injectable tumor model technique can assist neurosurgeons' preparation for the challenges associated with an endoscopic piecemeal resection of a solid lesion in the lateral or third ventricle.

Development of a 3D-printed external ventricular drain placement simulator: technical note.

In this paper, the authors present a physical model developed to simulate accurate external ventricular drain (EVD) placement with realistic haptic and visual feedbacks to serve as a platform for complete procedural training. Insertion of an EVD via ventriculostomy is a common neurosurgical procedure used to monitor intracranial pressures and/or drain CSF. Currently, realistic training tools are scarce and mainly limited to virtual reality simulation systems. The use of 3D printing technology enables the development of realistic anatomical structures and customized design for physical simulators. In this study, the authors used the advantages of 3D printing to directly build the model geometry from stealth head CT scans and build a phantom brain mold based on 3D scans of a plastinated human brain. The resultant simulator provides realistic haptic feedback during a procedure, with visualization of catheter trajectory and fluid drainage. A multiinstitutional survey was also used to prove content validity of the simulator. With minor refinement, this simulator is expected to be a cost-effective tool for training neurosurgical residents in EVD placement.

Simulated ventriculostomy training with conventional neuronavigational equipment used clinically in the operating room: prospective validation study.

OBJECTIVES: Simulation is gaining increasing interest as a method of delivering high-quality, time-effective, and safe training to neurosurgical residents. However, most current simulators are purpose-built for simulation, being relatively expensive and inaccessible to many residents. The purpose of this study was to provide the first comprehensive validity assessment of ventriculostomy performance metrics from the Medtronic StealthStation S7 Surgical Navigation System, a neuronavigational tool widely used in the clinical setting, as a training tool for simulated ventriculostomy while concomitantly reporting on stress measures. DESIGN: A prospective study where participants performed 6 simulated ventriculostomy attempts on a model head with StealthStation-coregistered imaging. The performance measures included distance of the ventricular catheter tip to the foramen of Monro and presence of the catheter tip in the ventricle. Data on objective and self-reported stress and workload measures were also collected. SETTING: The operating rooms of the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 31 individuals with varying levels of prior ventriculostomy experience, varying in seniority from medical student to senior resident. RESULTS: Performance at simulated ventriculostomy improved significantly over subsequent attempts, irrespective of previous ventriculostomy experience. Performance improved whether or not the StealthStation display monitor was used for real-time visual feedback, but performance was optimal when it was. Further, performance was inversely correlated with both objective and self-reported measures of stress (traditionally referred to as concurrent validity). Stress and workload measures were well-correlated with each other, and they also correlated with technical performance. CONCLUSIONS: These initial data support the use of the StealthStation as a training tool for simulated ventriculostomy, providing a safe environment for repeated practice with immediate feedback. Although the potential implications are profound for neurosurgical education and training, further research following this proof-of-concept study is required on a larger scale for full validation and proof that training translates into improved long-term simulated and patient outcomes.

Design and evaluation of a new synthetic brain simulator for endoscopic third ventriculostomy.

OBJECT: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is an effective but technically demanding procedure with significant risk. Current simulators, including human cadavers, animal models, and virtual reality systems, are expensive, relatively inaccessible, and can lack realistic sensory feedback. The purpose of this study was to construct a realistic, low-cost, reusable brain simulator for ETV and evaluate its fidelity. METHODS: A brain silicone replica mimicking normal mechanical properties of a 4-month-old child with hydrocephalus was constructed, encased in the replicated skull, and immersed in water. Realistic intraventricular landmarks included the choroid plexus, veins, mammillary bodies, infundibular recess, and basilar artery. The thinned-out third ventricle floor, which dissects appropriately, is quickly replaceable. Standard neuroendoscopic equipment including irrigation is used. Bleeding scenarios are also incorporated. A total of 16 neurosurgical trainees (Postgraduate Years 1-6) and 9 pediatric and adult neurosurgeons tested the simulator. All participants filled out questionnaires (5-point Likert-type items) to rate the simulator for face and content validity. RESULTS: The simulator is portable, robust, and sets up in minutes. More than 95% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that the simulator's anatomical features, tissue properties, and bleeding scenarios were a realistic representation of that seen during an ETV. Participants stated that the simulator helped develop the required hand-eye coordination and camera skills, and the training exercise was valuable. CONCLUSIONS: A low-cost, reusable, silicone-based ETV simulator realistically represents the surgical procedure to trainees and neurosurgeons. It can help them develop the technical and cognitive skills for ETV including dealing with complications.

Neurosurgical endoscopic training via a realistic 3-dimensional model with pathology.

INTRODUCTION: Training in intraventricular endoscopy is particularly challenging because the volume of cases is relatively small and the techniques involved are unlike those usually used in conventional neurosurgery. Present training models are inadequate for various reasons. Using 3-dimensional (3D) printing techniques, models with pathology can be created using actual patient's imaging data. This technical article introduces a new training model based on a patient with hydrocephalus secondary to a pineal tumour, enabling the models to be used to simulate third ventriculostomies and pineal biopsies. METHODS: Multiple models of the head of a patient with hydrocephalus were created using 3D rapid prototyping technique. These models were modified to allow for a fluid-filled ventricular system under appropriate tension. The models were qualitatively assessed in the various steps involved in an endoscopic third ventriculostomy and intraventricular biopsy procedure, initially by 3 independent neurosurgeons and subsequently by 12 participants of an intraventricular endoscopy workshop. RESULTS: All 3 surgeons agreed on the ease and usefulness of these models in the teaching of endoscopic third ventriculostomy, performing endoscopic biopsies, and the integration of navigation to ventriculoscopy. Their overall score for the ventricular model realism was above average. The 12 participants of the intraventricular endoscopy workshop averaged between a score of 4.0 to 4.6 of 5 for every individual step of the procedure. DISCUSSION: Neurosurgical endoscopic training currently is a long process of stepwise training. These 3D printed models provide a realistic simulation environment for a neuroendoscopy procedure that allows safe and effective teaching of navigation and endoscopy in a standardized and repetitive fashion.

Mixed reality ventriculostomy simulation: experience in neurosurgical residency.

BACKGROUND: Medicine and surgery are turning toward simulation to improve on limited patient interaction during residency training. Many simulators today use virtual reality with augmented haptic feedback with little to no physical elements. In a collaborative effort, the University of Florida Department of Neurosurgery and the Center for Safety, Simulation & Advanced Learning Technologies created a novel "mixed" physical and virtual simulator to mimic the ventriculostomy procedure. The simulator contains all the physical components encountered for the procedure with superimposed 3-D virtual elements for the neuroanatomical structures. OBJECTIVE: To introduce the ventriculostomy simulator and its validation as a necessary training tool in neurosurgical residency. METHODS: We tested the simulator in more than 260 residents. An algorithm combining time and accuracy was used to grade performance. Voluntary postperformance surveys were used to evaluate the experience. RESULTS: Results demonstrate that more experienced residents have statistically significant better scores and completed the procedure in less time than inexperienced residents. Survey results revealed that most residents agreed that practice on the simulator would help with future ventriculostomies. CONCLUSION: This mixed reality simulator provides a real-life experience, and will be an instrumental tool in training the next generation of neurosurgeons. We have now implemented a standard where incoming residents must prove efficiency and skill on the simulator before their first interaction with a patient.