A novel 3D-printed hybrid simulation model for robotic-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT)

Raphael Uwechue,Kamran Ahmed,Pankaj Chandak,Nick Byrne,Jonathon Olsburgh,Nizam Mamode,Ioannis Loukopoulos,Nicos Kessaris,Petrut Gogalniceanu

doi:10.1007/s11701-018-0780-y

Abstract

Robotic-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) offers key benefits for patients that have been demonstrated in several studies. A barrier to the wider uptake of RAKT is surgical skill acquisition. This is exacerbated by the challenges of modern surgery with reduced surgical training time, patient safety concerns and financial pressures. Simulation is a well-established method of developing surgical skill in a safe and controlled environment away from the patient. We have developed a 3D printed simulation model for the key step of the kidney transplant operation which is the vascular anastomosis. The model is anatomically accurate, based on the CT scans of patients and it incorporates deceased donor vascular tissue. Crucially, it was developed to be used in the robotic operating theatre with the operating robot to enhance its fidelity. It is portable and relatively inexpensive when compared with other forms of simulation such as virtual reality or animal lab training. It thus has the potential of being more accessible as a training tool for the safe acquisition of RAKT specific skills. We demonstrate this model here.

Highlights

Robotic-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) may provide enhanced patient recovery with comparable outcomes to standard open surgery
Simulation is a well-established method of teaching operative skills, reducing learning curves and providing transferable skills to the operating theatre [8] that improve operator performance [9]
Current simulation training is based on virtual reality simulators, in vivo animal models and cadaveric models [10]

Summary

Introduction

Keywords Kidney transplantation · Simulation · Training · Robotic Robotic-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) may provide enhanced patient recovery with comparable outcomes to standard open surgery. RAKT can increase access to kidney transplantation for specific end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with morbid obesity [1]. Teams need to practice nontechnical skills including the robot setup, patient positioning and interacting dynamically with the robotic system to allow surgeons to operate successfully.

Results

Conclusion