Abstract
Patients presenting to rural emergency departments with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) can be challenging to diagnose, manage, and treat and although the presentation is rare, it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. In areas such as Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, where the majority of the province is located far from tertiary care, this problem can be compounded by adverse weather impeding transport, necessitating that the problem is handled by rural physicians instead of neurosurgical care. However, many rural medical personnel do not receive any formal training in treating increased ICP. In this technical report, we use a low-tech, low-cost, high fidelity 3D printed skull to outline a simulation of increased ICP to better prepare rural physicians and emergency department teams who may encounter such a scenario in their practice in a rural area.
Highlights
Head injuries and consequent traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most common types of trauma encountered in the emergency department [1]
Because there is a lack of exposure to acute epidural hematoma during residency, simulation-based training is a good alternative that could provide basic skills and knowledge so that this presentation can be treated in a more timely and proficient manner. This can be carried out on a low-tech, low-cost, high-fidelity 3D-printed skull simulator where a neurosurgeon or more experienced general surgeon can explain how to relieve the effects of an acute epidural hematoma
We present a detailed simulation scenario of a traumatic brain injury, using a low-cost 3Dprinted skull simulator
Summary
This can be carried out on a low-tech, low-cost, high-fidelity 3D-printed skull simulator where a neurosurgeon or more experienced general surgeon can explain how to relieve the effects of an acute epidural hematoma This could be in the form of burr hole placement or with a more complex procedure, such as decompressive craniotomy, depending on the situation and targeting group of learners. This technical report was created to provide rural physicians with a clinical scenario and a 3D-printed skull simulator to simulate a more realistic clinical encounter where they are required to manage an acute epidural hematoma to better prepare them should they ever be faced with this daunting task - actual brain surgery - in clinical practice.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
