An alternative for neuroendoscopic hands-on: the pig modeI. Technical note

Abstract

Summary Technical advances are rapidly being introduced in neurosurgical practice. Besides the changes in therapeutical options, the question of special training and quality assurance is of extreme importance if the «less invasive» alternatives are to replace the more standard microsurgical interventions. We have introduced a live neuro model for neuroendoscopic training taking into consideration the anatomical similarity of the human and pig brain. The possibility of having biological feedback and observing the functional repercussions caused by our manipulations is superior for training fellow neurosurgeons than just the standard cadaver and dummy options available till now. We consider that a live animal tissue model should be introduced in the training program before performing neuroendoscopic procedures in the clinical setting. Our model is presented and a video band is available to demostrate aspects of the procedure.