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A Novel Virtual Wet Lab-Using a Smartphone Camera Adapter and a Video Conference Platform to Provide Real-Time Surgical Instruction.
Cervantes, Lorenzo J; Tallo, Christian A; Lopes, Caithlin A; Hellier, Erik A; Chu, David S.
  • Cervantes LJ; Connecticut Eye Specialists, Shelton, CT.
  • Tallo CA; North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.
  • Lopes CA; Eversight, Ann Arbor, MI.
  • Hellier EA; Eversight, Ann Arbor, MI.
  • Chu DS; Metropolitan Eye Research and Surgery Institute, Palisades Park, NJ; and.
Cornea ; 40(12): 1639-1643, 2021 Dec 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1281892
ABSTRACT

PURPOSE:

Proctored surgical instruction has traditionally been taught through in-person interactions in either the operating room or an improvised wet lab. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, live in-person instruction was not feasible owing to social distancing protocols, so a virtual wet lab (VWL) was proposed and implemented. The purpose of this article is to describe our experience with a VWL as a Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) skills-transfer course. This is the first time that a VWL environment has been described for the instruction of ophthalmic surgery.

METHODS:

Thirteen participant surgeons took part in VWLs designed for DMEK skills transfer in September and October 2020. A smartphone camera adapter and a video conference software platform were the unique media for the VWL. After a didactic session, participants were divided into breakout rooms where their surgical scope view was broadcast live, allowing instructors to virtually proctor their participants in real time. Participants were surveyed to assess their satisfaction with the course.

RESULTS:

All (100%) participants successfully injected and unfolded their DMEK grafts. Ten of the 13 participants completed the survey. Respondents rated the experience highly favorably.

CONCLUSIONS:

With the use of readily available technology, VWLs can be successfully implemented in lieu of in-person skills-transfer courses. Further development catering to the needs of the participant might allow VWLs to serve as a viable option of surgical education, currently limited by geographical and social distancing boundaries.
Subject(s)

Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Photography / Video-Assisted Surgery / Videoconferencing / Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty / Smartphone / SARS-CoV-2 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: Cornea Year: 2021 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Photography / Video-Assisted Surgery / Videoconferencing / Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty / Smartphone / SARS-CoV-2 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: Cornea Year: 2021 Document Type: Article