A New Inexpensive Simulation Model for Ultrasound Assessment of Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter.

BACKGROUND: Sonographic measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) is becoming increasingly accepted as a diagnostic modality to detect elevations in intracranial pressure. As this technique becomes more widespread, methods to address the inherent operator-dependent nature of this modality will need to be developed. We propose a novel low-cost model to accurately simulate sonographic ONSD measurement for purposes of training and assessment. METHODS: We designed models composed of medical tubing of various diameters readily available from typical hospital supplies and suspended them in gelatin. The models were evaluated by ultrasound by three expert point-of-care sonographers using a standard linear array probe and technique proposed in the literature. RESULTS: This model generates faithful simulation of the ONS that closely approximates in vivo images and can be used to produce accurate, reproducible measurements. Materials are low cost and easy to acquire and assemble. CONCLUSIONS: Our model provides realistic simulated images of the ONS. Through comparison of sonographic measurements to the known tube diameters, this model serves as a promising inexpensive tool to teach the method of ultrasound assessment of ONSD or as a way to determine accuracy of this novel ultrasound technology.

The impact of hypertonic saline on cerebrovascular reactivity and compensatory reserve in traumatic brain injury: an exploratory analysis.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous hypertonic saline is utilized commonly in critical care for treatment of acute or refractory elevations of intracranial pressure (ICP) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. Though there is a clear understanding of the general physiological effects of a hypertonic saline solution over long periods of time, smaller epoch effects of hypertonic saline (HTS) have not been thoroughly analyzed. The aim of this study was to perform a direct evaluation of the high-frequency response of HTS on the cerebrovascular physiological responses in TBI. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our prospectively maintained adult TBI database for those with archived high-frequency cerebral physiology and available HTS treatment information. We evaluated different epochs of physiology around HTS bolus dosing, comparing pre- with post-HTS. We assessed for changes in slow fluctuations in ICP, pulse amplitude of ICP (AMP), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), cerebrovascular reactivity (as measured through pressure reactivity index (PRx)), and cerebral compensatory reserve (correlation (R) between AMP (A) and ICP (P)). Comparisons of mean measures and percentage time above clinically relevant thresholds for the physiological parameters were compared pre- and post-HTS using descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney U testing. We assessed for subgroups of physiological responses using latent profile analysis (LPA). RESULTS: Fifteen patients underwent 69 distinct bolus infusions of hypertonic saline. Apart from the well-documented decrease in ICP, there was also a reduction in AMP. The analysis of cerebrovascular reactivity response to HTS solution had two main effects. For patients with grossly impaired cerebrovascular reactivity pre-HTS (PRx > + 0.30), HTS bolus led to improved reactivity. However, for those with intact cerebrovascular reactivity pre-HTS (PRx < 0), HTS bolus demonstrated a trend towards more impaired reactivity. This indicates that HTS has different impacts, dependent on pre-bolus cerebrovascular status. There was no significant change in metrics of cerebral compensatory reserve. LPA failed to demonstrate any subgroups of physiological responses to HTS administration. CONCLUSIONS: The direct decrease in ICP and AMP confirms that a bolus dose of a HTS solution is an effective therapeutic agent for intracranial hypertension. However, in patients with intact autoregulation, hypertonic saline may impair cerebral hemodynamics. These findings regarding cerebrovascular reactivity remain preliminary and require further investigation.

Comparison of high versus low frequency cerebral physiology for cerebrovascular reactivity assessment in traumatic brain injury: a multi-center pilot study.

Current accepted cerebrovascular reactivity indices suffer from the need of high frequency data capture and export for post-acquisition processing. The role for minute-by-minute data in cerebrovascular reactivity monitoring remains uncertain. The goal was to explore the statistical time-series relationships between intra-cranial pressure (ICP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pressure reactivity index (PRx) using both 10-s and minute data update frequency in TBI. Prospective data from 31 patients from 3 centers with moderate/severe TBI and high-frequency archived physiology were reviewed. Both 10-s by 10-s and minute-by-minute mean values were derived for ICP and MAP for each patient. Similarly, PRx was derived using 30 consecutive 10-s data points, updated every minute. While long-PRx (L-PRx) was derived via similar methodology using minute-by-minute data, with L-PRx derived using various window lengths (5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 60 min; denoted L-PRx_5, etc.). Time-series autoregressive integrative moving average (ARIMA) and vector autoregressive integrative moving average (VARIMA) models were created to analyze the relationship of these parameters over time. ARIMA modelling, Granger causality testing and VARIMA impulse response function (IRF) plotting demonstrated that similar information is carried in minute mean ICP and MAP data, compared to 10-s mean slow-wave ICP and MAP data. Shorter window L-PRx variants, such as L-PRx_5, appear to have a similar ARIMA structure, have a linear association with PRx and display moderate-to-strong correlations (r ~ 0.700, p < 0.0001 for each patient). Thus, these particular L-PRx variants appear closest in nature to standard PRx. ICP and MAP derived via 10-s or minute based averaging display similar statistical time-series structure and co-variance patterns. PRx and L-PRx based on shorter windows also behave similarly over time. These results imply certain L-PRx variants may carry similar information to PRx in TBI.

Construct validity of individual and summary performance metrics associated with a computer-based laparoscopic simulator.

BACKGROUND: Computer-based surgical simulators capture a multitude of metrics based on different aspects of performance, such as speed, accuracy, and movement efficiency. However, without rigorous assessment, it may be unclear whether all, some, or none of these metrics actually reflect technical skill, which can compromise educational efforts on these simulators. We assessed the construct validity of individual performance metrics on the LapVR simulator (Immersion Medical, San Jose, CA, USA) and used these data to create task-specific summary metrics. METHODS: Medical students with no prior laparoscopic experience (novices, N = 12), junior surgical residents with some laparoscopic experience (intermediates, N = 12), and experienced surgeons (experts, N = 11) all completed three repetitions of four LapVR simulator tasks. The tasks included three basic skills (peg transfer, cutting, clipping) and one procedural skill (adhesiolysis). RESULTS: We selected 36 individual metrics on the four tasks that assessed six different aspects of performance, including speed, motion path length, respect for tissue, accuracy, task-specific errors, and successful task completion. Four of seven individual metrics assessed for peg transfer, six of ten metrics for cutting, four of nine metrics for clipping, and three of ten metrics for adhesiolysis discriminated between experience levels. Time and motion path length were significant on all four tasks. We used the validated individual metrics to create summary equations for each task, which successfully distinguished between the different experience levels. CONCLUSION: Educators should maintain some skepticism when reviewing the plethora of metrics captured by computer-based simulators, as some but not all are valid. We showed the construct validity of a limited number of individual metrics and developed summary metrics for the LapVR. The summary metrics provide a succinct way of assessing skill with a single metric for each task, but require further validation.

A unique model for ultrasound assessment of optic nerve sheath diameter.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonic assessment of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) as a non-invasive measure of intracranial pressure (ICP) has been evaluated in the literature as a potential valid technique for rapid ICP estimation in the absence of invasive intracranial monitoring. The technique can be challenging to perform and little literature exists surrounding intra-operator variability. OBJECTIVES: In this study we describe the creation of a novel model of ONSD to be utilized in ultrasound training of this technique. We demonstrate the realistic ultrasonographic images created utilizing this novel model. METHODS: We designed ocular models composed of gelatin spheres and variable three dimensional printed cylinders, which simulate the globe of the eye and variable ONSD's respectively. These models were suspended in a gelatin background and ultrasound of the ONSD was conducted using standard techniques described in the literature. RESULTS: This model produces clear and accurate representation of ONSD that closely mimics in vivo images. It is affordable and easy to produce in large quantities, portending its use in an educational environment. CONCLUSIONS: Utilizing the standard linear array ultrasound probe for ONSD measurements in our model provided realistic images comparable to in vivo. This provides an affordable and exciting means to test intra- and inter- operator variability in a standardized environment. Knowing this, we can further apply this novel model of ONSD to ultrasound teaching and training courses with confidence in its ability and the technique's ability to produce consistent results.

Hand Motion Analysis Illustrates Differences When Drilling Cadaveric and Printed Temporal Bone.

OBJECTIVE: Temporal bone simulation is now commonly used to augment cadaveric education. Assessment of these tools is ongoing, with haptic modeling illustrating dissimilar motion patterns compared to cadaveric opportunities. This has the potential to result in maladaptive skill development. It is hypothesized that trainee drill motion patterns during printed model dissection may likewise demonstrate dissimilar hand motion patterns. METHODS: Resident surgeons dissected 3D-printed temporal bones generated from microCT data and cadaveric simulations. A magnetic position tracking system (TrakSTAR Ascension, Yarraville, Australia) captured drill position and orientation. Skill assessment included cortical mastoidectomy, thinning procedures (sigmoid sinus, dural plate, posterior canal wall) and facial recess development. Dissection was performed by 8 trainees (n = 5 < PGY3 > n = 3) using k-cos metrics to analyze drill strokes within position recordings. K-cos metrics define strokes by change in direction, providing metrics for stroke duration, curvature, and length. RESULTS: T-tests between models showed no significant difference in drill stroke frequency (cadaveric = 1.36/s, printed = 1.50/s, P < .40) but demonstrate significantly shorter duration (cadaveric = 0.37 s, printed = 0.16 s, P < .01) and a higher percentage of curved strokes (cadaveric = 31, printed = 67, P < .01) employed in printed bone dissection. Junior staff used a higher number of short strokes (junior = 0.54, senior = 0.38, P < .01) and higher percentage of curved strokes (junior = 35%, senior = 21%, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences in hand motions were present between simulations, however the significance is unclear. This may indicate that printed bone is not best positioned to be the principal training schema.

Accuracy of Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter Measurements in Pocket-Sized Ultrasound Devices in a Simulation Model.

Introduction: Transorbital sonographic measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) is an emerging non-invasive technique for the identification and monitoring of intracranial hypertension. In recent years, new pocket ultrasound devices have become available, and it is uncertain if they have the resolution to measure such small structures appropriately as compared to their predecessors. In this study, we measure the performance of three ultrasound units on a simulation model to establish their precision and accuracy. Methods: ONSD was measured by three expert point-of-care sonographers using ultrasound machines three times on each of seven discrete ONS model sizes ranging from 3.5 to 7.9 mm. Two pocket ultrasounds (IVIZ, Sonosite, and Lumify, Philips) and one standard-sized portable ultrasound (M-Turbo, Sonosite) were used. Measurements were analyzed for mean error and variance and tested for significance using blocked covariance matrix regression analyses. Results: The devices differed in their variances (Lumify: 0.19 mm2, M-Turbo: 0.26 mm2, IVIZ: 0.34 mm2) and their mean error (Lumify: -0.05 mm, M-Turbo: 0.10 mm, IVIZ: -0.10 mm). The difference in mean error between users is not significant (p = 0.45), but there is a significant difference in mean error between devices (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Accurate ONSD measurement is possible utilizing pocket-sized ultrasound, and in some cases, may be more accurate than larger portable ultrasound units. While the differences in these devices were statistically significant, all three were highly accurate, with one pocket device (Lumify) outperforming the rest. Further study in human subjects should be conducted prior to using pocket ultrasound devices for in vivo diagnosis of intracranial hypertension.

Design and Validity Evidence for a Unique Endoscopy Simulator Using a Commercial Video Game.

Background Procedural simulation enhances early endoscopy training. Multiple commercial simulators are available; however, their application is limited by cost and poor user compliance. First-person "shooter" (FPS) video games are popular. In this study, we aimed to show that a novel in-house designed colonoscope controller used to play an FPS video game shares similar constructs with real-life endoscopy. Methodology Participants completed the first three levels on an FPS video game, Portal (Valve Corporation, Bellevue, WA), first using a conventional controller and then the modified endoscope controller. A total of 12 expert endoscopists and 12 surgical residents with minimal endoscopy experience were evaluated based on completion time, button presses, and hand motion analyses. Results Experts outperformed novices for completion time (expert: 944 seconds; novice: 1,515 seconds; p = 0.006) and hand movements (expert: 1,263.1; novice: 2,052.6; p = 0.004) in using the novel colonoscope controller. There was no difference in button presses or total path length traveled. Furthermore, performance did not differ using conventional game controls. Conclusions Experts outperformed novices using the endoscope but not the conventional controller with respect to the economy of movement and completion time. This result confirms that our endoscope-controlled video game shares similar paradigms with real-life endoscopy and serves as a first step toward creating a more enjoyable and cheaper alternative to commercially available endoscopy simulators.

Computer Vision for Continuous Bedside Pharmacological Data Extraction: A Novel Application of Artificial Intelligence for Clinical Data Recording and Biomedical Research.

Introduction: As real time data processing is integrated with medical care for traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients, there is a requirement for devices to have digital output. However, there are still many devices that fail to have the required hardware to export real time data into an acceptable digital format or in a continuously updating manner. This is particularly the case for many intravenous pumps and older technological systems. Such accurate and digital real time data integration within TBI care and other fields is critical as we move towards digitizing healthcare information and integrating clinical data streams to improve bedside care. We propose to address this gap in technology by building a system that employs Optical Character Recognition through computer vision, using real time images from a pump monitor to extract the desired real time information. Methods: Using freely available software and readily available technology, we built a script that extracts real time images from a medication pump and then processes them using Optical Character Recognition to create digital text from the image. This text was then transferred to an ICM + real-time monitoring software in parallel with other retrieved physiological data. Results: The prototype that was built works effectively for our device, with source code openly available to interested end-users. However, future work is required for a more universal application of such a system. Conclusion: Advances here can improve medical information collection in the clinical environment, eliminating human error with bedside charting, and aid in data integration for biomedical research where many complex data sets can be seamlessly integrated digitally. Our design demonstrates a simple adaptation of current technology to help with this integration.

The cerebrovascular response to norepinephrine: A scoping systematic review of the animal and human literature.

Intravenous norepinephrine (NE) is utilized commonly in critical care for cardiovascular support. NE's impact on cerebrovasculature is unclear and may carry important implications during states of critical neurological illness. The aim of the study was to perform a scoping review of the literature on the cerebrovascular/cerebral blood flow (CBF) effects of NE. A search of MEDLINE, BIOSIS, EMBASE, Global Health, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Library from inception to December 2019 was performed. All manuscripts pertaining to the administration of NE, in which the impact on CBF/cerebral vasculature was recorded, were included. We identified 62 animal studies and 26 human studies. Overall, there was a trend to a direct vasoconstriction effect of NE on the cerebral vasculature, with conflicting studies having demonstrated both increases and decreases in regional CBF (rCBF) or global CBF. Healthy animals and those undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in CBF with NE administration. However, animal models and human patients with acquired brain injury had varied responses in CBF to NE administration. The animal models indicate an increase in cerebral vasoconstriction with NE administration through the alpha receptors in vessels. Global and rCBF during the injection of NE displays a wide variation depending on treatment and model/patient.

Cerebrovascular Response to Phenylephrine in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Scoping Systematic Review of the Human and Animal Literature.

Intravenous phenylephrine (PE) is utilized commonly in critical care for cardiovascular support. Its impact on the cerebrovasculature is unclear and its use may have important implications during states of critical neurological illness. The aim of this study was to perform a scoping review of the literature on the cerebrovascular/cerebral blood flow (CBF) effects of PE in traumatic brain injury (TBI), evaluating both animal models and human studies. We searched MEDLINE, BIOSIS, EMBASE, Global Health, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Library from inception to January 2020. We identified 12 studies with various animal models and 4 studies in humans with varying TBI pathology. There was a trend toward a consistent increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) by the injection of PE systemically, and by proxy, an increase of the cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP). There was a consistent constriction of cerebral vessels by PE reported in the small number of studies documenting such a response. However, the heterogeneity of the literature on the CBF/cerebral blood volume (CBV) response makes the strength of the conclusions on PE limited. Studies were heterogeneous in design and had significant limitations, with most failing to adjust for confounding factors in cerebrovascular/CBF response. This review highlights the significant knowledge gap on the cerebrovascular/CBF effects of PE administration in TBI, calling for further study on the impact of PE on the cerebrovasculature both in vivo and in experimental settings.

Cerebrovascular Response to Propofol, Fentanyl, and Midazolam in Moderate/Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Scoping Systematic Review of the Human and Animal Literature.

Intravenous propofol, fentanyl, and midazolam are utilized commonly in critical care for metabolic suppression and anesthesia. The impact of propofol, fentanyl, and midazolam on cerebrovasculature and cerebral blood flow (CBF) is unclear in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and may carry important implications, as care is shifting to focus on cerebrovascular reactivity monitoring/directed therapies. The aim of this study was to perform a scoping review of the literature on the cerebrovascular/CBF effects of propofol, fentanyl, and midazolam in human patients with moderate/severe TBI and animal models with TBI. A search of MEDLINE, BIOSIS, EMBASE, Global Health, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Library from inception to May 2020 was performed. All articles were included pertaining to the administration of propofol, fentanyl, and midazolam, in which the impact on CBF/cerebral vasculature was recorded. We identified 14 studies: 8 that evaluated propofol, 5 that evaluated fentanyl, and 2 that evaluated midazolam. All studies suffered from significant limitations, including: small sample size, and heterogeneous design and measurement techniques. In general, there was no significant change seen in CBF/cerebrovascular response to administration of propofol, fentanyl, or midazolam during experiments where PCO2 and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were controlled. This review highlights the current knowledge gap surrounding the impact of commonly utilized sedative drugs in TBI care. This work supports the need for dedicated studies, both experimental and human-based, evaluating the impact of these drugs on CBF and cerebrovascular reactivity/response in TBI.

The Impact of Vasopressor and Sedative Agents on Cerebrovascular Reactivity and Compensatory Reserve in Traumatic Brain Injury: An Exploratory Analysis.

The impact of vasopressor and sedative drugs on cerebrovascular reactivity in traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of changes of doses of commonly administered sedation (i.e., propofol, fentanyl, and ketamine) and vasopressor agents (i.e., norepinephrine [NE], phenylephrine [PE], and vasopressin[VSP]) on cerebrovascular reactivity and compensatory reserve in patients with moderate/severe TBI. Using the Winnipeg Acute TBI Database, we identified 38 patients with more than 1000 distinct changes of infusion rates and more than 500 h of paired drug infusion/physiology data. Cerebrovascular reactivity was assessed using pressure reactivity index (PRx) and cerebral compensatory reserve was assessed using RAP (the correlation [R] between pulse amplitude of intracranial pressure [ICP; A] and ICP [P]). We evaluated the data in two phases. First, we assessed the relationship between mean hourly dose of medication and its relation to both mean hourly index values, and time spent above a given index threshold. Second, we evaluated time-series data for each individual dose change per medication, assessing for a statistically significant change in PRx and RAP metrics. The results of the analysis confirmed that, overall, the mean hourly dose of sedative (propofol, fentanyl, and ketamine) and vasopressor (NE, PE, and VSP) agents does not impact hourly cerebrovascular reactivity or compensatory reserve measures. Similarly, incremental dose changes in these medications in general do not lead to significant changes in cerebrovascular reactivity or compensatory reserve. For propofol with incremental dose increases, in situations where PRx is intact (i.e., PRx <0 prior), a statistically significant increase in PRx was seen. However, this may not indicate deteriorating cerebrovascular reactivity as the final PRx (∼0.05) may still be considered to be intact cerebrovascular reactivity. As such, this finding with regards to propofol remains "weak." This study indicates that commonly administered sedative and vasopressor agents with incremental dosing changes have no clinically significant influence on cerebrovascular reactivity or compensatory reserve in TBI. These results should be considered preliminary, requiring further investigation.

Construct Validation of a Printed Bone Substitute in Otologic Education.

: Patient safety demands enhancements in training. Graduated cadaveric bone exposure is fundamental to otologic training. Printed bone models (PBM) provide a low-cost, anatomically consistent adjunct to cadaveric materials in trainee skill acquisition.The purpose of this study is to determine if resident training level can be distinguished on the basis of performance employing a printed temporal bone model, graded by a previous validated scale. METHODS: Nineteen residents (11 male, 8 female) from 9 graduate programs, attending a National Otolaryngology Conference, completed a mastoidectomy with posterior tympanotomy on identic 3D PBMs and a Likert scale (1-7) survey on subjective appreciation of the simulation. Four experts graded participant performance using the previously validated Welling Scale. RESULTS: ANOVA revealed significant performance differences between the junior/intermediate and junior/senior PGY cohorts. No difference was observed between intermediate/senior cohorts on the basis of PGY or subjective temporal bone dissection experience. Clustering aspects of the scale with specific focus on thinning tasks found a similar outcome to the composite scale scores.Subjective experience judged printed bone to be similar to cadaveric in drill-bone interaction. Participants believed the simulation would improve surgical performance, comfort with actual patients, and operative speed. CONCLUSION: Subjectively, printed bone compared favorably to cadaveric.The simulation demonstrated construct validity but was challenged in differentiating senior from intermediate trainee performance. This may be a function of the PBM inherent character, limitations in grading instrument fidelity or sample size. It is also possible that the dominant period of skill acquisition for mastoidectomy and posterior tympanotomy are primarily acquired during the junior training.

Elements of virtual temporal bone surgery: Manipulandum format may be more important to surgeons than haptic device force capabilities.

Background: Temporal bone simulations are critiqued for poor drill-bone interaction. This project appraises the import of increasing haptic device and manipulandum fidelity on the perceived realism of drilling a virtual temporal bone.Virtual surgical contact forces rely on haptic device fidelity and are transmitted through a manipulandum. With identical software, both device hardware and manipulandum may each contribute to realism. We compare the three degrees of freedom (DOF), 3N Geomagic Touch (3D Systems, SC) to a 6DOF, 5.5N HD2 (Quanser, ON) with the both standard ("HD2-Standard") and in-house customized otic drill manipulandum ("HD2-Modified"). Methods: Six otologic surgeons performed three virtual mastoidectomy surgeries on a temporal bone surgical simulator. The HD2 manipulandum was modified for attached otic drill with gravity compensation and requisite mechanical modifications. Surgeons, in random order, performed the dissection with the different hardware platforms. Results: Two-tailed t-tests demonstrate that for the acoustic properties of each simulation, the HD2-Modified manipulandum was favored (p ≤ 0.0004). For overall similarity of bone, both HD2-Standard (p ≤ 0.05) HD2-Modified (p ≤ 0.03)) were favored over the Geomagic; however they were not appreciably different when directly compared to each other. There was no preference for increasing haptic device fidelity in virtual drill bone interaction.In forced rank, users favored the HD2-Modified in osseus, vibrational and overall realism, as well as being preferred for education and preoperative rehearsal (p ≤ 0.0164). Conclusion: Increasing manipulandum realism was favored. However surprisingly, there was no preference for increased device fidelity, illustrating incremental stiffness had nominal impact. There may be a ceiling to drill bone interaction in virtual haptic simulation. Level of Evidence: 2b.

Importance of Stereoscopy in Haptic Training of Novice Temporal Bone Surgery.

UNLABELLED: We investigate the effects of stereoscopic simulation on novice trainee surgical performance. METHODS: 20 first year medical students were randomized into a stereo or non-stereo group. Each participant viewed a 13 minute instructional video and then performed 3 mastoidectomy procedures with an in-house haptic temporal bone simulation, using a 3D-capable display with either active (stereo) or inactive (non-stero) shutter glasses. Following training, participants performed an actual mastoidectomy on a single 3D-printed bone model. The printed models were evaluated by 3 blinded neurotologic surgeons using a 7 point grading system. RESULTS: Two-tailed t-tests showed no significant difference in overall performance (mean score across test categories over all subjects) between stereo (M=3.8, SD=1.1) and non-stereo (M=4.4, SD=1.5) conditions (p=0.163). No significant differences existed in any of the assessed sub-domains. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of stereo-vision to haptic training may not affect temporal bone surgical skill acquisition in novice users.

Ultrasound assessment of optic nerve sheath diameter in healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound assessment of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) has been suggested as a non-invasive measure of intracranial pressure. Numerous small studies suggest its validity; however, discrepancy exists around normal values for ONSD. In this study we sought to define a normal value range for ONSD in a population of healthy adult volunteers. METHODS: ONSD was measured in healthy adult volunteers and a normal range was defined using descriptive statistics. A regression analysis was used to determine relationship between ONSD measurements and sex, age, height and weight. RESULTS: One hundred twenty adults were recruited (age 18-65 [mean 29.3]) with 55 male and 65 female subjects. Mean ONSD was 3.68 mm (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.85-4.40). Upon regression analysis, mean ONSD did not vary with age, weight, or height but did vary with sex. Mean ONSD measurements for men were 3.78 mm (95% CI, 3.23-4.48) compared with 3.60 mm (95% CI, 2.83-4.11) for women. CONCLUSION: This study has defined the range of ONSD in a healthy cohort of volunteers. The lack of relationship to age, weight and height is similar to other studies but this is the first study to find a difference depending on sex suggesting the possible need for separate reference ranges for men and women.

Estimating the accuracy of optic nerve sheath diameter measurement using a pocket-sized, handheld ultrasound on a simulation model.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) appears to be a promising, rapid, non-invasive bedside tool for identification of elevated intra-cranial pressure. With improvements in ultrasound technology, machines are becoming smaller; however, it is unclear if these ultra-portable handheld units have the resolution to make these measurements precisely. In this study, we estimate the accuracy of ONSD measurement in a pocket-sized ultrasound unit. METHODS: Utilizing a locally developed, previously validated model of the eye, ONSD was measured by two expert observers, three times with two machines and on five models with different optic nerve sheath sizes. A pocket ultrasound (Vscan, GE Healthcare) and a standard portable ultrasound (M-Turbo, SonoSite) were used to measure the models. Data was analyzed by Bland-Altman plot and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The ICC between raters for the SonoSite was 0.878, and for the Vscan was 0.826. The between-machine agreement ICC was 0.752. Bland-Altman agreement analysis between the two ultrasound methods showed an even spread across the range of sheath sizes, and that the Vscan tended to read on average 0.33 mm higher than the SonoSite for each measurement, with a standard deviation of 0.65 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Accurate ONSD measurement may be possible utilizing pocket-sized, handheld ultrasound devices despite their small screen size, lower resolution, and lower probe frequencies. Further study in human subjects is warranted for all newer handheld ultrasound models as they become available on the market.

A unique method for estimating the reliability learning curve of optic nerve sheath diameter ultrasound measurement.

BACKGROUND: Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measurement using ultrasound has been proposed as a rapid, non-invasive, point of care technique to estimate intra-cranial pressure (ICP). Ultrasonic measurement of the optic nerve sheath can be quite challenging and there is limited literature surrounding learning curves for this technique. We attempted to develop a method to estimate the reliability learning curve for ONSD measurement utilizing a unique definition of reliability: a plateau in within-subject variability with unchanged between-subject variability. METHODS: As part of a previously published study, a single operator measured the ONSD in 120 healthy volunteers over a 6-month period. Utilizing the assumption that the four measurements made on each subject during this study should be equal, the relationship of within-subject variance was described using a quadratic-plateau model as assessed by segmental polynomial (knot) regression. RESULTS: Segmental polynomial (knot) regression revealed a plateau in within-subject variance after the 21st subject. However, there was no difference in overall mean values [3.69 vs 3.68 mm (p = 0.884)] or between-subject variance [14.49 vs 11.92 (p = 0.54)] above or below this cutoff. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests a significant finite learning curve associated with ONSD measurements. It also offers a unique method of calculating the learning curve associated with ONSD measurement.

End User Comparison of Anatomically Matched 3-Dimensional Printed and Virtual Haptic Temporal Bone Simulation: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: Simulation has assumed a prominent role in education. It is important to explore the effectiveness of different modalities. In this article, we directly compare surgical resident impression of 2 distinct temporal bone simulations (physical and haptic). STUDY DESIGN: Research Ethics Board-approved prospective cohort study. SETTING: A haptic voxel-based virtual model (VM) and a physical 3-dimensional printed temporal bone model (PBM) were developed. Participants rated each construct on a number of parameters and performed a direct comparison of the simulations using a survey instrument that employed a 7-point Likert scale and rank lists. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Ten otolaryngology residents dissected anatomically identical, matched physical and virtual models. Data for both simulations originated from 10 unique cadaveric micro-computed tomography images. RESULTS: Subjects rated the PBM drill quality as being more similar to cadaveric temporal bone than the VM (cortical bone mean: 5.5 vs 3.2, P = .011; trabecular bone mean: 5.2 vs 2.8, P = .004) and with better air cell system representation (mean: 5.4 vs 4.5, P = .003). Subjects strongly agreed that both simulations are effective educational tools, but they rated the PBM higher (mean: 6.7 vs 5.4, P = .019). Notably, subjects agreed that both modalities should be integrated into training, but they were more favorably inclined toward the PBM (mean: 7.0 vs 5.5, P = .002). In direct comparison, the PBM was the preferred simulation in 7 of 9 educational domains. CONCLUSIONS: Appraisal of a PBM and a VM found both to have perceived educational benefit. However, the PBM was considered to have more realistic physical properties and was considered the preferred training instrument.