Patient-specific simulation for endovascular procedures: qualitative evaluation of the development process.
BACKGROUND
Recent advancements in simulation permit patient-specific rehearsal of carotid artery stenting procedures. This study evaluates the feasibility of transferring patient-specific CT data into the simulator, creating a 3D reconstruction and performing a rehearsal. The face validity of the model was assessed.


RESULTS
By thematic analysis of qualitative data, an algorithm was generated, focusing on simulation set-up, time of data transfer, software/compatibility issues and problem-solving strategies. The face validity of the simulated case was evaluated by 15 expert interventionalists: realism (median 4/5), training potential (median 4/5) and pre-procedure rehearsal potential for challenging CAS cases (median 4/5) were rated highly.


CONCLUSIONS
Setting up a procedure rehearsal is feasible and reproducible for different patients in different hospital settings without major software compatibility issues. The time to create a 3D reconstruction of patient-specific CT data is a major factor in the total time necessary to set up a rehearsal. The face validity is highly rated by experts.
Willaert
W I M
WI
Department of Biosurgery and Surgical Technology, St. Mary's Hospital, Imperial College, London, UK. w.willaert@imperial.ac.uk
Aggarwal
R
R
Nestel
D F
DF
Gaines
P A
PA
Vermassen
F E
FE
Darzi
A W
AW
Cheshire
N J
NJ
D000465:Algorithms; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D016544:Patient Simulation; D010829:Physiological Phenomena; D012984:Software