Developing a dynamic simulator for endoscopic intraventricular surgeries

Abstract

A novel dynamic simulator brain model with hydrocephalus has been developed for endoscopic intraventricular procedures. Detachable components allow enhancement of the walls of the ventricle by choroid plexus, ependymal veins and the membranous floor of the third ventricle which are derived from cadaveric lab animal tissues to give a lifelike appearance. These can be changed for every exercise. Ventricles are filled with injection of saline to give appropriate transparent medium and connected to a device transmitting pulsations creating conditions similar to live surgeries. Thirty-five participants have used this model over the last 1year and found it to be useful for conducting third ventriculostomy. Further development of the model for septostomy, aqueductoplasty and tumour biopsy has also been recently tested successfully by 12 participants. It is hoped that this simulator model for intraventricular endoscopy is comprehensive as a learning tool in carrying out most of thethe surgical procedures currently practised.