3D-printed anatomical models of the cystic duct and its variants, a low-cost solution for an in-house built simulator for laparoscopic surgery training.

OBJECTIVES: To explore a method to create affordable anatomical models of the biliary tree that are adequate for training laparoscopic cholecystectomy with an in-house built simulator. METHODS: We used a fused deposition modeling 3D printer to create molds of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) from Digital Imaging and Communication on Medicine (DICOM) images, and the molds were filled with silicone rubber. Thirteen surgeons with 4-5-year experience in the procedure evaluated the molds using a low-cost in-house built simulator utilizing a 5-point Likert-type scale. RESULTS: Molds produced through this method had a consistent anatomical appearance and overall realism that evaluators agreed or definitely agreed (4.5/5). Evaluators agreed on recommending the mold for resident surgical training. CONCLUSIONS: 3D-printed molds created through this method can be applied to create affordable high-quality educational anatomical models of the biliary tree for training laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Development and evaluation of a low-cost part-task trainer for laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia in boys and the acquisition of basic laparoscopy skills.

PURPOSE: To examine the fidelity of our model of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) in boys and evaluate its value in resident training programs and the learning of basic laparoscopy skills. METHODS: We created a simulation model with inexpensive, easy-to-obtain equipment. Study participants from 34 university hospital departments received a user manual and an evaluation questionnaire (11 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale). We considered that the evaluation was positive when the median overall score was 4 or over. We compared the results for residents (n=26) vs. expert surgeons (n=29) (t tests). RESULTS: The duration of the procedure was significantly longer among the residents (30.0±16.8 min) than among the expert surgeons (20.5±11.7 min; p=0.01). In both groups, the participants rated the model favorably with regard to the overall impression (median score: 4.0±1.0), realism (4.0±0.9), ease of access to the required equipment (5.0±0.6), the quality of the user manual (5.0±0.6), ease of assembly (5.0±0.8), ease of the procedure (5.0±0.8), value in resident training programs (4.0±0.9), and value in learning basic laparoscopy skills (5.0±0.8)). The evaluation was positive (4.0±0.9). CONCLUSION: Our low-cost model was an effective teaching and training tool for LIHR and basic laparoscopy skills. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Development and Validation of a Homemade, Low-Cost Laparoscopic Simulator for Resident Surgeons (LABOT).

Several studies have demonstrated that training with a laparoscopic simulator improves laparoscopic technical skills. We describe how to build a homemade, low-cost laparoscopic training simulator (LABOT) and its validation as a training instrument. First, sixty surgeons filled out a survey characterized by 12 closed-answer questions about realism, ergonomics, and usefulness for surgical training (global scores ranged from 1-very insufficient to 5-very good). The results of the questionnaires showed a mean (±SD) rating score of 4.18 ± 0.65 for all users. Then, 15 students (group S) and 15 residents (group R) completed 3 different tasks (T1, T2, T3), which were repeated twice to evaluate the execution time and the number of users' procedural errors. For T1, the R group had a lower mean execution time and a lower rate of procedural errors than the S group; for T2, the R and S groups had a similar mean execution time, but the R group had a lower rate of errors; and for T3, the R and S groups had a similar mean execution time and rate of errors. On a second attempt, all the participants tended to improve their results in doing these surgical tasks; nevertheless, after subgroup analysis of the T1 results, the S group had a better improvement of both parameters. Our laparoscopic simulator is simple to build, low-cost, easy to use, and seems to be a suitable resource for improving laparoscopic skills. In the future, further studies should evaluate the potential of this laparoscopic box on long-term surgical training with more complex tasks and simulation attempts.

Modelo de neuroendoscopia ventricular "INARUS" / Ventricular neuroendoscopy model "INARUS"

Introducción: La simulación es una herramienta de educación indispensable para un entrenamiento progresivo en un ámbito seguro, no solo para el paciente sino para el educando. La misma fue incorporada en la curricula de nuestras especialidades quirúrgicas a partir del 2013. Las habilidades neuroquirúrgicas requieren de un experticio que implica un periodo prolongado de tiempo de práctica. En la actualidad, dicho periodo, se tiende a disminuir con la enseñanza de ensayo y error, repetición de los procedimientos y automatización de maniobras que la simulación facilita con el agregado de la posibilidad de un feedback de retroalimentación entre el profesional en formación y el educador en un ambiente seguro. Objetivo: Describir un modelo de simulador físico sintético de bajo costo como herramienta inicial para mejorar la curva de aprendizaje de las técnicas de neuroendoscopia intraventricular. Descripción del simulador: es un modelo físico sintético realizado a través de técnicas de mordería con gel autoportante. El simulador ofrece la posibilidad de practicar técnicas básicas neuroendoscópicas intraventriculares, ofreciendo la particularidad de poder repetir las maniobras y gestos quirúrgicas con un coste beneficio muy elevado debido al muy bajo precio de realización del simulador. A su vez, se trata de un modelo de simulación que se puede fabricar de forma casera en cualquier centro de simulación. Discusión: Presentamos un modelo inédito de bajo costo y alta fidelidad para simulación neuroendoscópica. Consta de un cerebro sintético físico que permite replicar ejercicios de navegación intraventricular con maniobras endoscópicas, toma de biopsia de lesiones quísticas o sólidas, sección de tabiques, lavado ventricular y desobstrucción de catéteres intraventriculares. Lo consideramos una herramienta básica y de amplia ayuda para profesionales que decidan iniciar su curva de aprendizaje en la neuroendoscopia intraventricular. Planeamos su validación en futuros congresos de neurocirugía.

Introduction: Simulation is an indispensable educational tool for progressive training in a safe environment, for both patients and learning neurosurgeons. It was incorporated into the curricula of our surgical specialties as of 2013. Neurosurgical skills require an expertise that involves a prolonged period of practice time. Currently, this period tends to decrease with the teaching of trial and error, repetition of procedures and automation of maneuvers that the simulation facilitates with the addition of the possibility of feedback between the professional in training and the educator, all doing in a safe environment. Objective: To describe a low cost synthetic physical simulator model as an initial tool to improve the learning curve of intraventricular neuroendoscopy techniques. Description of the simulator: it is a synthetic physical model realized through self-supporting gel biting techniques. The simulator offers the possibility of practicing intraventricular neuroendoscopic basic techniques, offering the peculiarity of being able to repeat maneuvers and surgical gestures with a very high benefit-cost due to a very low price of its creation. At the same time, it is a simulation model that can be manufactured at home in any simulation center. Discussion: We present an unprecedented model of low cost and high fidelity for neuroendoscopic simulation. It consists of a physical synthetic brain that allows the replication of intraventricular navigation exercises with endoscopic maneuvers, a biopsy of solid or cystic lesions, the section of the ventricular septum, ventricular lavage and unblocking of intraventricular catheters. We consider this simulator as a basic tool of wide assistance for professionals who decide to start their learning curve in intraventricular neuroendoscopy. We're planning its validation in a future neurosurgery congress.

A novel low-cost solution for driving assessment in individuals with and without disabilities.

Brake reaction time is a key component to studying driving performance and evaluating fitness to drive. Although commercial simulators can measure brake reaction time, their cost remains a major barrier to clinical access. Therefore, we developed open-source software written in C-sharp (C#) for measuring driving related reaction times, which includes a subject-controlled vehicle with straight-line dynamics and several testing scenarios. The software measures both simple and cognitive load based reaction times and can use any human interface device compliant steering wheel and pedals. Measures from the software were validated against a commercial simulator and tested for reproducibility. Further, experiments were performed using hand controls in both able-bodied and spinal cord injured patients to determine clinical feasibility for disabled populations. The software demonstrated high validity when measuring brake reaction times, showed excellent test-retest reliability, and was sensitive enough to determine significant brake reaction time differences between able-bodied and spinal cord injured subjects. These results indicate that the proposed simulator is a simple and feasible low-cost solution to perform brake reaction time tests and evaluate fitness to drive.

Simulador de bajo costo para el entrenamiento en la colocación de accesos vasculares periféricos (AVP) en pediatría / Low-cost simulator for the training of peripheral venous access (PVA) placement in pediatrics

Introducción: El entrenamiento en simuladores permite aprender procedimientos en un marco controlado que protege la seguridad de los pacientes pediátricos y que se integra como una instancia de aprendizaje previa a la realidad con el paciente. En el Centro de Simulación del Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan se diseñan y validan simuladores de bajo costo artesanales que permiten contar con recursos propios y de reposición inmediata. Objetivo: Describir el diseño de un simulador de bajo costo para la colocación de accesos vasculares periféricos y reportar la experiencia inicial de validación. Métodos: Se diseñó un simulador artesanal inanimado de punción venosa periférica (parte de miembro superior de un niño de edad aproximada de 8 años) con materiales de bajo costo. En una segunda fase y con el propósito de validarlo, se solicitó la colocación del acceso vascular -en el modelo simulado- a enfermeros del hospital que trabajan en el área de internación (usuarios expertos). Al final de cada experiencia, cada operador reportó su opinión sobre el realismo del modelo y utilidad de la experiencia en forma anónima. Resultados Participaron 43 enfermeros; entre el 75 a 90% de las veces, las repuestas fueron "se parece mucho" o "es igual" a la experiencia real de colocación de un acceso venoso a un niño. El 85% expresó que esta práctica permitía mejorar la destreza, y el 100% que el modelo puede ayudar a enseñarla en forma efectiva. Conclusiones El desarrollo de modelos de simuladores de bajo costo para usos específicos, de baja tecnología, resulta importante para el entrenamiento de habilidades. La aceptación por parte de los usuarios calificados y expertos fue muy buena, encontrando en un alto porcentaje similitud con la realidad (AU)

Introduction: Training on simulators allows for the learning of procedures within a controlled framework that protects the safety of pediatric patients and provides a learning moment previous to working with a real patient. In the Simulation Center at Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan low-cost simulators are designed and validated that allow for proper resources and immediate replacement. Aim: To describe the design of a low-cost simulator for the placement of peripheral vascular Access and to report the initial experience with the validation of the device. Methods: An inanimate simulator for peripheral puncture (the upper limb of a child of approximately 8 years of age) was designed using lowcost materials. In a second phase with the purpose of validating the device, nurses of the hospital working in the inpatient area (expert users) were asked to insert a venous catheter in the simulation model. At the end of each procedure, each operator was asked to anonymously give their opinion. Results: 43 nurses participated; between 75 and 90% of times, the answers were "it is very similar "or "it is the same as the experience of placing a real venous catheter in a child. Overall, 85% felt that the training improved their skills and 100% considered that the model may be effective in the teaching process. Conclusions: The development of low-cost, low-technology simulation models is important in the training of skills. Acceptance by qualified users and experts was very good. A high degree of similarity with reality was reported (AU)