A novel, low-cost, reusable, high-fidelity neurosurgical training simulator for cerebrovascular bypass surgery
Abstract
OBJECTIVECerebrovascular bypass surgery is a challenging yet important neurosurgical procedure that is performed to restore circulation in the treatment of carotid occlusive diseases, giant/complex aneurysms, and skull base tumors. It requires advanced microsurgical skills and dedicated training in microsurgical techniques. Most available training tools, however, either lack the realism of the actual bypass surgery (e.g., artificial vessel, chicken wing models) or require special facilities and regulations (e.g., cadaver, live animal, placenta models). The aim of the present study was to design a readily accessible, realistic, easy-to-build, reusable, and high-fidelity simulator to train neurosurgeons or trainees on vascular anastomosis techniques even in the operating room.METHODSThe authors used an anatomical skull and brain model, artificial vessels, and a water pump to simulate both extracranial and intracranial circulations. They demonstrated the step-by-step preparation of the bypass simulator using readily available and affordable equipment and consumables.RESULTSAll necessary steps of a superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery bypass surgery (from skin opening to skin closure) were performed on the simulator u...Continue Reading
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