Abstract
Microneurosurgery is Sisyphean labor: dexterity hardly comes and easily goes. The only way to stay ahead is to constantly train. However, it requires a special working place and a lot of expensive equipment, which dramatically decreases the training availability. The author proposes Calamus - a novel tool, which may solve this problem. Calamus is a pen with the anatomy of microneurosurgical instruments. It includes a single bayonet and round handle, a curved tip, and a replaceable refill. Given a lot of similarities between the techniques of microneurosurgery and calligraphy (fine hand movements, working pose, method of controlling the instruments, space management, breathing, psychological state), writing or drawing something using Calamus simulates a crucial neurosurgical skill - working in a deep and narrow operative field (skull base, brainstem, etc.), wherein the quality of technique is objectively reflected by the inky trail. This simple and low-cost instrument can make the microneurosurgical training available for everyone, at every time and place.
Highlights
High-level microneurosurgical techniques, such as operations on deep brain structures, require hard, long, and unstoppable training [1,2,3]. This is unaffordable for most neurosurgeons due to the necessity of attending a special working place with manifold expensive equipment
The answer lies in the field of calligraphy
It is well known that the way of holding and moving most of the surgical instruments is very similar to the technique of writing or drawing by the pen [4,5,6]
Summary
High-level microneurosurgical techniques, such as operations on deep brain structures, require hard, long, and unstoppable training [1,2,3]. In order to fit the conditions of the deep and narrow operative field, an ideal microneurosurgical instrument must have a precise angled functional tip and a single, bayonet, and round handle [6,7,8]. The core idea of “ink training” involves writing or drawing something using Calamus as small and accurate as possible, holding and moving it like a real bayonet microneurosurgical instrument. It is advisable to fix the paper dynamically and gradually move it as it fills, using the second Calamus without refill, like a suction tube (Figure 4). This is a partial reflection of the suction-cautery technique [4]. “Write your best, or not at all” [13]
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