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Assessing performance in brain tumor resection using a novel virtual reality simulator

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International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

NeuroTouch is a virtual reality (VR) simulator developed for neurosurgical skill training. Validation demonstrating that the system is useful and reliable is required for formal adoption into training curriculums. Face and content validity have been demonstrated for some neurosurgical simulators, but construct validity remains difficult to establish. A pilot validation study was conducted for a NeuroTouch training exercise.

Methods

Participants completed the internal resection of a simulated convexity meningioma and filled out questionnaires to provide feedback on the experience. Performance metrics included volume of tissues removed, tool path lengths, duration of excessive forces applied and efficient use of the aspirator. Results were analyzed according to participants’ level of training, gender, handedness, surgical experience in meningioma removal and hours/week playing musical instruments or video games.

Results

Seventy-two participants (10 medical students, 18 junior residents and 44 senior residents) were enrolled. Analyses demonstrated statistically significant increase in tumor removed and efficiency of ultrasonic aspirator use between medical students and residents, but not between junior and senior residents. After covariate adjustment for the number of meningioma cases operated on, multivariate analysis of the level of training became nonsignificant. Participants judged the exercise appropriate and realistic, desiring use of the system in current training programs.

Conclusion

We have conducted a pilot validation study for the NeuroTouch tumor resection scenario and demonstrated for the first time, face, content and construct validity of a VR neurosurgical simulation exercise. Future full-scale studies will be conducted in noncompetitive settings and incorporate expert participants.

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Abbreviations

AANS:

American Association of Neurological Surgeons

NRC:

National Research Council

VR:

Virtual reality

PGY:

Postgraduate year

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank all the individuals at the National Research Council Canada (NRC) and all the collaborators at Canadian and international Universities involved in this project. The VR surgical simulation program has been funded by the NRC Genomics and Health Initiative. This work was also supported by the Montréal English School Board, the Franco Di Giovanni, B-Strong, the Tony Colannino Foundations and the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital. Dr. Gelinas-Phaneuf was funded by a generous contribution from the Harold and Audrey Fisher Brain Tumour Research Award. Dr. Del Maestro holds the William Feindel Chair of Neuro-Oncology at the Montreal Neurological Institute.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Neurosurgical Simulation Research Center, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, 4th floor, Montreal Neurological Hospital, 3801 University, Suite 438M, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada

    Nicholas Gélinas-Phaneuf & Rolando F. Del Maestro

  2. National Research Council Canada, Boucherville, QC, Canada

    Nusrat Choudhury, Anne Cabral, Etienne Nadeau, Vincent Mora, Valerie Pazos, Patricia Debergue & Robert DiRaddo

  3. Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

    Ahmed R. Al-Habib

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  1. Nicholas Gélinas-Phaneuf
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  2. Nusrat Choudhury
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  3. Ahmed R. Al-Habib
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Correspondence to Nicholas Gélinas-Phaneuf or Rolando F. Del Maestro.

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Gélinas-Phaneuf, N., Choudhury, N., Al-Habib, A.R. et al. Assessing performance in brain tumor resection using a novel virtual reality simulator. Int J CARS 9, 1–9 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11548-013-0905-8

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