Surgical Simulation Training Research Articles

A Presacral Fixation Simulation Surgical Training Model for Transvaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (vNOTES) Sacrocolpopexy

ObjectiveThe number of sacrocolpopexies performed with transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) is increasing, and presacral fixation is the most dangerous step. Therefore, the training opportunities for trainees to become competent in performing vNOTES sacrocolpopexy are very important. Simulation-based training is ideal for filling this gap. The objective of this video article is to demonstrate a simulation surgical training model in vNOTES presacral fixation. SettingThe Department of Gynecology at a university hospital. ParticipantsA urogynecological surgeon. Interventions(1) Establish presacral model (Fig. 1) and pelvic model (Fig. 2). (2) Establish vNOTES single-port platform. (3) Steps of vNOTES presacral fixation: (a) Identify the sacral promontory and right hypogastric nerve (rHN), and incise the right pelvic peritoneum. (b) Expose and open the presacral fascia to expose the middle sacral vessels and anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL). (c) Complete mesh fixation. (d) Close the pelvic peritoneum. This study is exempt from IRB approval. Model materials and corresponding costs are given in Table 1. ConclusionWe present a presacral fixation simulation model during vNOTES sacrocolpopexy. A piece of rubber tissue is attached to pelvic model to accurately simulate the vagina, thus achieving the establishment of the vNOTES single-port platform. The presacral model displays the anatomic hierarchy of presacral exposure: pelvic peritoneum, presacral fascia, presacral space, as well as the ALL, rHN, ureter, and presacral vessels, which are embedded in these layers. Presacral slope design enables realistic presacral suture and mesh fixation. In case of nerve, blood vessel, or ureteral injury during dissection, this model simulates the manifestation through the leakage of different colored liquids. This new model allows the next generation of urogynecological surgeons to acquire adequate training to make them more prepared to perform their initial vNOTES sacrocolpopexy on a patient, possibly increasing future safety and effectiveness.

SynDaver<sup>®</sup> synthetic human cadaver: a 3D simulator for anatomy education and surgical training

SynDaver<sup>®</sup> synthetic human cadaver: a 3D simulator for anatomy education and surgical training

Surgical skill simulation training to proficiency reduces procedural errors among novice cardiac device implanters: a randomized study.

In cardiac device implantation, having both surgical skills and ability to manipulate catheter/lead/wire is crucial. Few cardiologists, however, receive formal surgical training prior to implanting. Skills are mostly acquired directly on-the-job and surgical technique varies across institutions; suboptimal approaches may increase complications. We investigated how novel proficiency-based progression (PBP) simulation training impacts the surgical quality of implantations, compared to traditional simulation (SIM) training. In this international prospective study, novice implanters were randomized (blinded) 1:1 to participate in a simulation-based procedure training curriculum, with proficiency demonstration requirements for advancing (PBP approach) or without (SIM). Ultimately, trainees performed the surgical tasks of an implant on a porcine tissue that was video-recorded and then scored by two independent assessors (blinded to group), using previously validated performance metrics. Primary outcomes were the number of procedural Steps Completed, Critical Errors, Errors (non-critical), and All Errors Combined. Thirty novice implanters from 10 countries participated. Baseline experiences were similar between groups. Compared to SIM-trained, the PBP-trained group completed on average 11% more procedural Steps (P < 0.001) and made 61.2% fewer Critical Errors (P < 0.001), 57.1% fewer Errors (P = 0.140), and 60.7% fewer All Errors Combined (P = 0.001); 11/15 (73%) PBP trainees demonstrated the predefined target performance level vs. 3/15 SIM trainees (20%) in the video-recorded performance. Proficiency-based progression training produces superior objectively assessed novice operators' surgical performance in device implantation compared with traditional (simulation) training. Systematic PBP incorporation into formal academic surgical skills training is recommended before in vivo device practice. Future studies will quantify PBP training's effect on surgery-related device complications.

Artificial intelligence facilitates the potential of simulator training: An innovative laparoscopic surgical skill validation system using artificial intelligence technology.

The development of innovative solutions, such as simulator training and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tutoring systems, has significantly changed surgical trainees' environments to receive the intraoperative instruction necessary for skill acquisition. In this study, we developed a new objective assessment system using AI for forceps manipulation in a surgical training simulator. Laparoscopic exercises were recorded using an iPad®, which provided top and side views. Top-view movies were used for AI learning of forceps trajectory. Side-view movies were used as supplementary information to assess the situation. We used an AI-based posture estimation method, DeepLabCut (DLC), to recognize and positionally measure the forceps in the operating field. Tracking accuracy was quantitatively evaluated by calculating the pixel differences between the annotation points and the points predicted by the AI model. Tracking stability at specified key points was verified to assess the AI model. We selected a random sample to evaluate tracking accuracy quantitatively. This sample comprised 5% of the frames not used for AI training from the complete set of video frames. We compared the AI detection positions and correct positions and found an average pixel discrepancy of 9.2. The qualitative evaluation of the tracking stability was good at the forceps hinge; however, forceps tip tracking was unstable during rotation. The AI-based forceps tracking system can visualize and evaluate laparoscopic surgical skills. Improvements in the proposed system and AI self-learning are expected to enable it to distinguish the techniques of expert and novice surgeons accurately. This system is a useful tool for surgeon training and assessment.

Simulation-based training in robotic surgery education: bibliometric analysis and visualization.

Simulation-based robotic surgery training may help surgeons gain operative skills and experience in the simulation environment. This bibliometric analysis examined the development of simulation-based training for robotic surgical education. Articles pertaining to robotic surgical simulation training that were included in the Web of Science Core Collection up to April 25, 2024, were included. The temporal patterns in published paper numbers were evaluated using Microsoft Excel software, and the data regarding co-authorship and keyword co-occurrence were analyzed and visualized using the VOSviewer and SCImago Graphica tools. A total of 594 papers on simulation-based training for robotic surgical education were evaluated in this study. The United States and United Kingdom were the leading contributors in this field. The most published authors were Professor Ahmed Kamran (23 publications) and Prokar Dasgupta (22 publications). The highest number of papers was published in the journal titled "Surgical Endoscopy and Other Interventional Techniques." The most common keywords were "virtual reality," "curriculum," "robotic surgery simulator," "assessment," and "learning curve." Our study offers a detailed overview of international research on simulation-based training for robotic surgical education, including the publishing countries, institutions, authors, journals, and research hotspots. It also methodically summarizes the state of knowledge in the area, and provides definite directions and concepts for further in-depth analysis.

Efficacy evaluation of a high-precision simulator of posterior pharyngeal flap pharyngoplasty

BackgroundIn order to improve medical students' preclinical skills and enable them to quickly comprehend the procedure of posterior pharyngeal flap surgery, our teaching team developed a surgical simulator specifically for pharyngeal flap surgery. MethodsThirteen undergraduate students and eight first-year residents trained from March to May 2023, participated in simulated surgical training. Initially, multimedia was used to explain and demonstrate relevant anatomy, surgical principles, and procedural steps to them. This was followed by independent simulated surgeries by the students, culminating in the completion of a questionnaire. Independent samples t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Before the simulated surgery, the residents had a greater understanding of the surgical design compared to the undergraduate students. After the simulated surgery, the residents showed not only significantly higher levels of understanding of the surgical design, but also increased familiarity with the surgical process, and enhanced confidence in independent surgery compared to the undergraduate students. Both groups showed a notable increase in familiarity with the surgical process and confidence in independent surgery after the simulated surgery. ConclusionThe surgical simulator demonstrates high clinical fidelity and provides tactile feedback that closely resembles reality. It significantly enhances the understanding and mastery of surgical techniques for young doctors, ultimately improving their surgical skills.

Real-time surgical simulation training for recurrent laryngeal nerve and facial nerve dissection

BackgroundHead and neck surgical simulation training (SST) is an important part in otolaryngology head and neck surgical education. In this study, we provide a live porcine model for SST in recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and facial nerve (FN) dissection for otolaryngology head and neck residents. MethodsA lecture with surgical manual is provided to illustrate the surgical landmarks of pig, and step-by-step procedures for thyroid and parotid surgery, as well as neck dissection. We used 4-month-old pig weighting 32 kg for the SST. The mentor demonstrated result of RLN injury with continuous nerve monitoring. Participants used monopolar stimulation probe (4 pulse/s, 100 μs, 3-8 mA; Medtronic) to identify and intermittent monitor the RLN and FN during the SST. After the dissection course, we conducted a questionnaire survey to check the effectiveness of this training model. ResultsTotal 30 participants were recruited, including 16 female and 14 male resident doctors. There were 1, 4 and 25 learners for 3rd year, 4th and 5th years residents, respectively. Before this training course, 53 % (16/30) and 63 % (19/30) had successful experience in finding the RLN and FN, respectively. After the SST, all of our participants had successful identify the RLN and FN (p-value <0.01); all had positive response to stimulation and familiar with the procedure. ConclusionsThe live porcine model is effectiveness in SST for RLN and FN dissection. Live porcine model with real-time RLN and FN monitoring should be provided for otolaryngology head and neck resident training.

809 A Systematic Review of Quality Assurance Processes in Simulated Surgical Training Programmes

Abstract Aim To provide a comprehensive overview of quality assurance processes implemented within published simulated surgical training programmes, identifying areas of deficit. Method A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Databases were searched from 1947 until April 2023 to identify studies reporting structured simulation programmes undertaking qualitative assessment of laparoscopic technical skills. The assessment had to be procedural (e.g., appendicectomy) versus tasks (e.g., bean drop). Simulation had to be physical modalities (synthetic/cadaveric). Virtual and augmented reality modalities were excluded. Data was extracted against an existing quality assurance standards framework for simulation-based education, developed by the Association for Simulated Practice in Healthcare (ASPiH) in partnership with Health Education England. Study quality was appraised using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI). Results 39 studies were included, with 17 from USA and 3 from UK simulation programmes. Range of participants was 6-256, with 7 studies reporting &amp;gt;50 participants. Faculty: 40% (n=15) of studies reported no description of faculty expertise or selection. 60% (n=24) of studies implemented no assessor training. 90% (n=35) described no faculty evaluation or feedback. Activity: Variability was seen in assessment methods including number of stations, assessors, and assessment tools. 60% (n=24) of studies sought no feedback on their programme. 90% (n=35) of the programmes were not aligned to curricula or learning needs analyses. Conclusions This review highlights deficits in the implementation of quality assurance processes including faculty selection, training, and programme feedback. It also highlights the variability of assessment methods, reiterating the need for individualised robust validation processes.

734 Perceptions to Gamification in Surgical Simulation Training

734 Perceptions to Gamification in Surgical Simulation Training

347 Perspectives of Surgical Simulation Training in Medical Students: A Narrative Synthesis

347 Perspectives of Surgical Simulation Training in Medical Students: A Narrative Synthesis

SynDaver® synthetic human cadaver: a 3D simulator for anatomy education and surgical training.

SynDaver® synthetic human cadaver: a 3D simulator for anatomy education and surgical training.

A commentary on “the transition of surgical simulation training and its learning curve: a bibliometric analysis from 2000 to 2023” (Int J Surg. 2024 May 9.)

A commentary on “the transition of surgical simulation training and its learning curve: a bibliometric analysis from 2000 to 2023” (Int J Surg. 2024 May 9.)

Application of Computerized Surgical Planning in Craniosynostosis Surgery.

Craniosynostosis, a medical condition characterized by premature fusion of one or multiple cranial sutures, has historically been treated through surgical correction. Computerized Surgical Planning (CSP) and three-dimensional (3D) modeling have gained significant popularity across craniofacial surgery. Through a collaborative effort between surgeons and engineers, it is now possible to virtually execute a surgical plan based on preoperative imaging using computed tomography scans. The CSP workflow involves several elements including virtual 3D modeling, CSP computer-aided surgical guide design, manufacturing of guides and templates, and intraoperative implementation. Through the gradual optimization of this workflow, it has been possible to achieve significant progress in the surgical process including improvements in the preoperative planning of complex craniosynostosis cases and reduction of intraoperative time. Furthermore, CSP and 3D modeling have had a positive impact on surgical simulation and residency training, along with patient education and counseling. This article summarizes the CSP workflow in the treatment of craniosynostosis and the implications of this treatment modality on medical trainee education and patient management.

Orthopaedic sport medicine surgeons and fellows value immersive virtual reality for improving surgical training, procedural planning, and distance learning

ObjectivesOverall, the potential utility of immersive virtual reality (iVR) technology in orthopaedic surgery is promising. The attitudes of medical students and surgical trainees on virtual reality simulated surgical training have been overwhelmingly positive. However, further research and understanding of the attitudes of practicing orthopaedic surgeons and fellows are needed to appreciate its benefits for clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to establish the face validity of iVR technology by assessing the attitudes of Canadian orthopaedic surgeons on the value of iVR for surgical training, clinical practice, and distance learning. MethodsForty-three orthopaedic surgeons and fellows attended an iVR demonstration at an annual orthopaedic meeting. The view and audio from the lead headset were cast to a large screen so the audience could follow the procedure in real time. Immediately after the presentation, the audience members were asked to complete a paper questionnaire assessing their perceptions and attitudes toward iVR for use in orthopaedic learning, clinical practice and distance education and mentoring. ResultsiVR was perceived to be valuable for the field of orthopaedic surgery providing face validity for the technology. All 13 questions were rated with mean Likert scores of five or greater, indicating a positive observed value for all 13 questions. The respondents indicated that iVR had value (score of 5 or greater) in each questionnaire domain, with agreement ranging from 78 to 98% for teaching and learning, 66–97% for clinical practice, and 88–100% for distance education and mentoring questions. ConclusionThis study has demonstrated that a group of Canadian sport medicine orthopaedic surgeons and fellows had favourable attitudes toward, and perceived that iVR has value in, orthopaedic surgical training, clinical practice, and distance learning and mentorship. The potential for utilizing iVR technology for distance learning, mentorship and global education appears promising. Level of evidenceII.

The transition of surgical simulation training and its learning curve: a bibliometric analysis from 2000 to 2023.

Proficient surgical skills are essential for surgeons, making surgical training an important part of surgical education. The development of technology promotes the diversification of surgical training types. This study analyzes the changes in surgical training patterns from the perspective of bibliometrics, and applies the learning curves as a measure to demonstrate their teaching ability. Related papers were searched in the Web of Science database using the following formula: TS=((training OR simulation) AND (learning curve) AND (surgical)). Two researchers browsed the papers to ensure that the topics of articles were focused on the impact of surgical simulation training on the learning curve. CiteSpace, VOSviewer and R packages were applied to analyze the publication trends, countries, authors, keywords and references of selected articles. Ultimately, 2461 documents were screened and analyzed. The USA is the most productive and influential country in this field. Surgical endoscopy and other interventional techniques publish the most articles, while surgical endoscopy and other interventional techniques is the most cited journal. Aggarwal Rajesh is the most productive and influential author. Keyword and reference analyses reveal that laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery, virtue reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) were the hotspots in the field. This study provided a global overview of the current state and future trend in the surgical education field. The study surmised the applicability of different surgical simulation types by comparing and analyzing the learning curves, which is helpful for the development of this field.

Fundamentals of Arthroscopic Surgery Training and beyond: a reinforcement learning exploration and benchmark

PurposeThis work presents FASTRL, a benchmark set of instrument manipulation tasks adapted to the domain of reinforcement learning and used in simulated surgical training. This benchmark enables and supports the design and training of human-centric reinforcement learning agents which assist and evaluate human trainees in surgical practice.MethodsSimulation tasks from the Fundamentals of Arthroscopic Surgery Training (FAST) program are adapted to the reinforcement learning setting for the purpose of training virtual agents that are capable of providing assistance and scoring to the surgical trainees. A skill performance assessment protocol is presented based on the trained virtual agents.ResultsThe proposed benchmark suite presents an API for training reinforcement learning agents in the context of arthroscopic skill training. The evaluation scheme based on both heuristic and learned reward functions robustly recovers the ground truth ranking on a diverse test set of human trajectories.ConclusionThe presented benchmark enables the exploration of a novel reinforcement learning-based approach to skill performance assessment and in-procedure assistance for simulated surgical training scenarios. The evaluation protocol based on the learned reward model demonstrates potential for evaluating the performance of surgical trainees in simulation.

Training of young medical professionals: implementation of modern training concepts, taking into account the changed framework conditions for training—a pilot project for operational subjects

IntroductionFor years, generations of medical students have complained that practice-oriented learning is neglected in medical studies. Further training assistants also complain about limited opportunities to learn subject-specific practical activities.Material and techniquesWe are presenting a pilot project at the University Women’s Hospital in Homburg, in which medical students complete an endoscopic hands-on course as part of the block internship gynaecology and obstetrics. During the course the students perform classic skills training and hand–eye coordination exercises and learn the first steps in endoscopic suturing (suture and rows of knots). The training concepts used can be implemented on simple boxing trainers and can therefore also be reproduced in clinics or in a private setting.OutcomeAltogether, 73 medical students did participate in the laparoscopy course. We were able to prove that the knotting time for a simple knot can be reduced from an average of 247 s to 40 s (80%) after completing our training programme. Based on the evaluation sheet that the students filled out after the course, we found a very-high acceptance for surgical simulation training within the student cohort.DiscussionPractical surgical exercises can complement the curriculum well and, as we can show with our work, are rated very positively by the students. For students in higher semesters, such practical courses can also provide an insight into the respective subject area and thus counteract the lack of skilled workers in surgical subjects. The practical year should not be the first contact with these practical courses, as at this timepoint a certain favoured subject has often already being chosen by the students.

Onward to Better Surgery - the Critical Need for Improved Ex Vivo Testing and Training Methods.

Guided surgery has demonstrated significant improvements in patient outcomes in some disease processes. Interest in this field has led to substantial growth in the technologies under investigation. Most likely no single technology will prove to be "best," and combinations of macro- and microscale guidance-using radiological imaging navigation, probes (activatable, perfusion, and molecular-targeted; large- and small-molecule), autofluorescence, tissue intrinsic optical properties, bioimpedance, and other characteristics-will offer patients and surgeons the greatest opportunity for high-success/low-morbidity medical interventions. Problems are arising, however, from the lack of valid testing formats; surgical training simulators suffer the same problems. Small animal models do not accurately recreate human anatomy, especially in terms of tissue volume. Large animal models are expensive and have difficulty replicating many pathological states, particularly when molecular specificity for individual cancers is required. Furthermore, the sheer number of technologies and the potential for synergistic combination leads to exponential growth of testing requirements that is unrealistic for in vivo testing. Therefore, critical need exists to expand the ex vivo/in vitro testing platforms available to investigators and, once validated, a need to increase the acceptance of these methods for funding and regulatory endpoints. Herein is a review of the available ex vivo/in vitro testing formats for guided surgery, a review of their advantages/disadvantages, and consideration for how our field may safely and more swiftly move forward through stronger adoption of these testing and validation methods.

Developing a non-cadaveric brain tumour surgery lab in resource-constrained settings.

To develop the country's first brain tumour surgery lab in resource-constrained settings, for training young neurosurgeons and residents. A workshop was developed using mixed-fidelity models for assessing and training a participant's psychomotor skills, hand-eye coordination, and teaching the principles of brain tumour surgery. Affordable noncadaveric models were used to compare and contrast the benefit of each teaching model. Within the existing space for wet labs at our institution, 8 different dissection stations were set up with adequate space for 2 people to work at a time. Each station was equipped with an operating room-Caliber microscope, a lighting system and a camera linked to a screen and high-powered electric drills and basic surgical equipment. Our team was able to develop and use 3D-printed skull models and animal brain models for training in complex approaches and craniotomy. Surgical simulation training, in a cost-effective manner, provides the benefit of training residents and students in neurosurgical techniques in a safe, controlled environment leading to improvement in skills and technique.

Validity and Reliability of Farra Eye Model as a Surgical Simulator for Capsulorhexis Training

Abstract&#x0D; Introduction &amp; Objectives : Various simulation models are available for cataract surgery training. Farra Eye Model, a new cataract surgery simulator, was developed to provide the resident with more affordable options. This study aims to determine the validity and reliability of the Farra Eye Model as a surgical simulator for capsulorhexis training.&#x0D; Methods : A cross-sectional pilot study was performed among ophthalmology residents and consultants to assess face, content, and construct validity of a new surgical simulator. Subjects were divided into novice, intermediate, and expert groups according to their level of expertise. Face and content validity was assessed using a validated questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale response. Construct validity was done by comparing capsulorhexis performance between the three groups. Two raters assessed performance using capsulorhexis indices in ICO-OSCAR: Phaco assessment tool, number of forceps grabs, and duration of capsulorhexis.&#x0D; Results : A total of 33 subjects were recruited and divided equally into three groups. The overall face validity score was favorable (3.67 ± 0.67). However, the capsule elasticity was rated poor (2.73 ± 1.1) among the intermediate group. The content validity was favorable regarding the overall score (4.15± 0.58) and each assessment component. In the construct validity test, intermediate and expert groups showed better capsulorhexis performance than the novice group on all parameters (p&lt;0.001), with good inter-rater reliability (ICC&gt;0.7).&#x0D; Conclusion : Farra Eye Model has a good face and content validity for capsulorhexis training and is able to differentiate the novice group from intermediate and expert groups. However, it remains a challenge to replicate human lens capsule elasticity.