Translating the simulation of procedural drilling techniques for interactive neurosurgical training.
BACKGROUND
Through previous efforts we have developed a fully virtual environment to provide procedural training of otologic surgical technique. The virtual environment is based on high-resolution volumetric data of the regional anatomy. These volumetric data help drive an interactive multisensory, ie, visual (stereo), aural (stereo), and tactile, simulation environment. Subsequently, we have extended our efforts to support the training of neurosurgical procedural technique as part of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons simulation initiative.


OBJECTIVE
To deliberately study the integration of simulation technologies into the neurosurgical curriculum and to determine their efficacy in teaching minimally invasive cranial and skull base approaches.


METHODS
We discuss issues of biofidelity and our methods to provide objective, quantitative and automated assessment for the residents.


RESULTS
We conclude with a discussion of our experiences by reporting preliminary formative pilot studies and proposed approaches to take the simulation to the next level through additional validation studies.


CONCLUSIONS
We have presented our efforts to translate an otologic simulation environment for use in the neurosurgical curriculum. We have demonstrated the initial proof of principles and define the steps to integrate and validate the system as an adjuvant to the neurosurgical curriculum.
*Department of Otolaryngology and §Department of Neurological Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; ‡Ohio Supercomputer Center, Columbus, Ohio; ¶Department of Otolaryngology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.
Don
D
Stredney
Ali R
AR
Rezai
Daniel M
DM
Prevedello
J Bradley
JB
Elder
Thomas
T
Kerwin
Bradley
B
Hittle
Gregory J
GJ
Wiet
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003392:Cranial Sinuses / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D003399:Craniotomy / Q000379:methods; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009493:Neurosurgery / Q000193:education*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods*; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014584:User-Computer Interface