Improving Team Members' Attention During the OR Briefing or Time Out.

Effective coordination among health care professionals is crucial to achieving optimal outcomes. In the OR, even minor errors can have catastrophic consequences. To mitigate the risk of error, health care professionals have adopted a briefing culture like that used in the aviation industry. Briefings are essential to ensure that everyone involved in a procedure knows the plan and potential risks and is prepared to perform their duties safely and effectively. The fundamental human sense involved in briefings is auditory perception; although important, hearing alone does not equate to focused attention. To enhance the efficacy of briefings, engaging the use of a second sense by adding a visual checklist may increase attentiveness and the chances of early error detection and prevention. Using a projection device may enhance all team members' engagement and participation during the briefing or time-out process and can be an effective tool for improving communication and reducing errors.

The use of hybrid operating rooms in neurosurgery, advantages, disadvantages, and future perspectives: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Hybrid operating rooms (hybrid-ORs) combine the functionalities of a conventional surgical theater with the advanced imaging technologies of a radiological suite. Hybrid-ORs are usually equipped with CBCT devices providing both 2D and 3D imaging capability that can be used for both interventional radiology and image guided surgical applications. Across all fields of surgery, the use of hybrid-ORs is gaining in traction, and neurosurgery is no exception. We hence aimed to comprehensively review the use of hybrid-ORs, the associated advantages, and disadvantages specific to the field of neurosurgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic databases were searched for all studies on hybrid-ORs from inception to May 2022. Findings of matching studies were pooled to strengthen the current body of evidence. RESULTS: Seventy-four studies were included in this review. Hybrid-ORs were mainly used in endovascular surgery (n = 41) and spine surgery (n = 33). Navigation systems were the most common additional technology employed along with the CBCT systems in the hybrid-ORs. Reported advantages of hybrid-ORs included immediate assessment of outcomes, reduced surgical revision rate, and the ability to perform combined open and endovascular procedures, among others. Concerns about increased radiation exposure and procedural time were some of the limitations mentioned. CONCLUSION: In the field of neurosurgery, the use of hybrid-ORs for different applications is increasing. Hybrid-ORs provide preprocedure, intraprocedure, and end-of-procedure imaging capabilities, thereby increasing surgical precision, and reducing the need for postoperative imaging and correction surgeries. Despite these advantages, radiation exposure to patient and staff is an important concern.

Prueba de volumen en el quirófano: subestudio planificado del estudio observacional Fluid Day / Fluid challenges in operating room: A planned sub study of the Fluid Day observational study

Antecedentes: La administración intraoperatoria de fluidos es una intervención ubicua en los pacientes quirúrgicos. Pero la administración inadecuada de fluidos puede llevar a malos resultados postoperatorios. La prueba de volumen (PV), dentro o fuera de la denominada fluidoterapia guiada por objetivos, permite probar el sistema cardiovascular y la necesidad de administración adicional de fluidos. Nuestro objetivo primario fue evaluar el modo en que el anestesiólogo realiza la PV en el quirófano en términos de tipo, volumen, variables utilizadas para impulsar la PV, y comparar la proporción de pacientes que recibieron administración adicional de fluidos basada en la respuesta a la PV. Métodos: Se trata de un subestudio planificado de un estudio observacional realizado en 131 centros en España, en pacientes sometidos a cirugía. Resultados: En el estudio se incluyeron y analizaron 396 pacientes. La cantidad media [rango intercuartílico] de fluidos administrados durante la PV fue de 250ml (200-400). La principal indicación de la PV fue el descenso de la presión arterial sistólica en 246 casos (62,2%). La segunda indicación fue el descenso de la presión arterial media (54,4%). Se utilizó el gasto cardiaco en 30 pacientes (7,58%), y la variación del volumen sistólico en 29 de entre 385 casos (7,32%). La respuesta a la PV inicial no tuvo impacto a la hora de prescribir administración adicional de fluidos. Conclusiones: La indicación y la evaluación actuales de la PV en los pacientes quirúrgicos son altamente variables. La predicción de la receptividad a los fluidos no se utiliza rutinariamente, evaluándose a menudo las variables no adecuadas para valorar la respuesta hemodinámica a la PV, pudiendo causar efectos perjudiciales.(AU)

Background: Intraoperative fluid administration is a ubiquitous intervention in surgical patients. But inadequate fluid administration may lead to poor postoperative outcomes. Fluid challenges (FCs), in or outside the so-called goal-directed fluid therapy, allows testing the cardiovascular system and the need for further fluid administration. Our primary aim was to evaluate how anesthesiologists conduct FCs in the operating room in terms of type, volume, variables used to trigger a FC and to compare the proportion of patients receiving further fluid administration based on the response to the FC. Methods: This was a planned substudy of an observational study conducted in 131 centers in Spain in patients undergoing surgery. Results: A total of 396 patients were enrolled and analyzed in the study. The median [interquartile range] amount of fluid given during a FC was 250mL (200-400). The main indication for FC was a decrease in systolic arterial pressure in 246 cases (62.2%). The second was a decrease in mean arterial pressure (54.4%). Cardiac output was used in 30 patients (7.58%), while stroke volume variation in 29 of 385 cases (7.32%). The response to the initial FC did not have an impact when prescribing further fluid administration. Conclusions: The current indication and evaluation of FC in surgical patients is highly variable. Prediction of fluid responsiveness is not routinely used, and inappropriate variables are frequently evaluated for assessing the hemodynamic response to FC, which may result in deleterious effects.(AU)

Distractions in the operating room: a survey of the healthcare team.

BACKGROUND: Distractions during surgical procedures are associated with team inefficiency and medical error. Little is published about the healthcare provider's perception of distraction and its adverse impact in the operating room. We aim to explore the perception of the operating room team on multiple distractions during surgical procedures. METHODS: A 26-question survey was administered to surgeons, anesthesia team members, nurses, and scrub technicians at our institution. Respondents were asked to identify and rank multiple distractions and indicate how each distraction might affect the flow of surgery. RESULTS: There was 160 responders for a response rate of 19.18% (160/834), of which 71 (44.1%) male and 82 (50.9%) female, 48 (29.8%) surgeons, 59 (36.6%) anesthesiologists, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA), and 53 (32.9%) OR nurses and scrub technicians. Responders were classified into a junior group (< 10 years of experience) and a senior group (≥ 10 years). Auditory distraction followed by equipment were the most distracting factors in the operating room. All potential auditory distractions in this survey were associated with higher percentage of certain level of negative impact on the flow of surgery except for music. The top 5 distractors belonged to equipment and environment categories. Phone calls/ pagers/ beepers and case relevant communications were consistently among the top 5 most common distractors. Case relevant communications, music, teaching, and consultation were the top 4 most perceived positive impact on the flow of surgery. Distractors with higher levels of "bothersome" rating appeared to associate with a higher level of perceived negative impact on the flow of surgery. Vision was the least distracting factor and appeared to cause minimal positive impact on the flow of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first survey studying perception of surgery, anesthesia, and OR staff on various distractions in the operating room. Fewer unnecessary distractions might improve the flow of surgery, improve OR teamwork, and potentially improve patient outcomes.

Effect of implementing an anesthesia nurse checklist in a safety and teamwork climate: quasi-experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of implementing a Patient safety checklist: nursing in anesthetic procedure on the perception of safety climate and team climate of nurses and anesthesiologists from an operating room. METHOD: Quasi-experimental study held in the operating room of a hospital in Brazil with a sample of nurses and anesthesiologists. The outcome was evaluated through the instruments "Safety Attitudes Questionnaire/Operating Room Version" and "Team Climate Inventory", applied before and after the implementation of a Patient safety checklist: nursing in anesthetic procedure by nurses. The mixed effects linear regression model was used to analyse the effect of the implementation. RESULTS: Altogether, 19 (30.2%) nurses and 44 (69.8%) anesthesiologists participated in the study, implementing the Patient safety checklist: nursing in anesthetic procedure in 282 anesthesias. The Safety Attitudes Questionnaire/Operating Room Version score changed from 62.5 to 69.2, with modification among anesthesiologists in the domain "Perception of management" (p = 0.02). Between both professionals, the Team Climate Inventory score increased after the intervention (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The implementation of the Patient safety checklist: nursing in anesthetic procedure changed the perception score of safety and teamwork climate, improving communication and collaborative work.

The Current Status in Intraoperative Image-Guided Neurosurgery Associated with Progressive Operating Rooms: A Retrospective Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Shinshu University Hospital has advanced operating rooms including a mobile computed tomography (mCT) room, Smart Cyber Operating Theater (SCOT) with intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging, hybrid operating room (hOR) with intraoperative image-guided surgery, and conventional operating rooms. We investigated the characteristics of cases assigned to each operating room. METHODS: Five hundred forty neurosurgery cases from January 2018 to April 2021 were analyzed. We analyzed the selection of operating room according to pathology, surgical device requirement, and urgency, and we examined associations between operating room characteristics and these factors. RESULTS: Neurological surgeries were performed in an mCT room, an hOR, a SCOT, and a conventional operating room in 333 (61.7%), 64 (11.9%), 49 (9.1%), and 94 (17.4%) cases, respectively. mCT rooms were more frequently selected than other rooms for vascular/extra-axial tumors, which have a lower need for intraoperative image guidance. Spinal surgeries with segment diagnosis or intraoperative bone removal tended to be performed in the hOR. The rate of SCOT use tended to be higher for intra-axial tumors with poorly circumscribed borders than for vascular/extra-axial tumors. Endoscopic procedures were more frequently performed in the SCOT and mCT rooms than in hORs and conventional operating rooms. Emergency surgeries were often performed in the conventional operating rooms, even in cases where SCOT and hOR seemed suitable. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative image-guided surgeries were performed according to the characteristics of each operating room best suited for various diseases and operative methods. Further research is needed to prove whether operating room selection improves neurosurgical outcomes.

A graphical assessment of emergency surgical list efficiency to determine operating theatre capacity needs.

BACKGROUND: Unlike elective lists, full utilisation of an emergency list is undesirable, as it could prevent patient access. Conversely, a perpetually empty emergency theatre is resource wasteful. Separately, measuring delayed access to emergency surgery from time of booking the urgent case is relevant, and could reflect either deficiencies in patient preparation or be because of an occupied (over-utilised) emergency theatre. METHODS: We developed a graphical method recognising these two separate but linked elements of performance: (i) delayed access to surgery and (ii) operating theatre utilisation. In a plot of one against the other, data fell into one of four quadrants, with delays associated with high utilisation signifying the need for more emergency capacity. However, delays associated with low utilisation reflect process deficiencies in the emergency patient pathway. We applied this analysis to 73 consecutive lists (>300 cases) from two UK hospitals. RESULTS: Although both hospitals experienced similar rates of delayed surgery (21.8% vs 21.0%; P=0.872), in one hospital 83% of these were associated with low emergency theatre utilisation (suggesting predominant process deficiencies), whereas in the other 73% were associated with high utilisation (suggesting capacity deficiency; P<0.0001). Increasing emergency capacity in the latter resulted in shorter delays (just 6.7% cases excessively delayed; P<0.0001 for effect of intervention). CONCLUSIONS: This simple graphical analysis indicates whether more emergency capacity is necessary. We discuss potential applications in managing emergency surgery theatres.

Sistema de aquecimento corporal para cirurgias cardíacas e sala de procedimentos do Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia - RJ / Body heating system for cardiac surgeries and procedure room of the Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia - RJ

INTRODUÇÃO: A prevenção da hipotermia é recomendada para todos os pacientes que serão submetidos ao procedimento anestésico cirúrgico. Durante o intra-operatório, a hipotermia acomete com frequência o paciente e pode ser prejudicial quando não intencional, não diagnosticada a tempo ou não controlada, associando a várias complicações, podendo também ser benéfica quando intencional. A hipotermia intencional é indicada para a proteção de órgãos vitais (por exemplo, células neuronais e miocárdicas) quando a isquemia é esperada. Nos procedimentos cardíacos onde há necessidade de hipotermia intencional ou hipotermia global profunda utiliza-se a parada circulatória total com comunicação ou circulação extracorpórea (CEC), a qual é a principal técnica. A hipotermia não intencional é definida como a temperatura corporal central menor que 36ºC e é um evento comum no perioperatório. FICHA TÉCNICA DA TECNOLOGIA: Os sistemas que são apresentados aqui são de normotermia, ou seja, não preveem resfriamento, apenas oferecem calor. De acordo com as evidências apresentadas acima, os sistemas que mostraram pequena na prevenção da hipotermia perioperatória não intencional foram o sistema de aquecimento por circulação de ar forçado aquecido e por circulação de água aquecida. Ambos são considerados seguros. Por uma necessidade do setor cirúrgico do INC, serão apresentadas apenas as mantas de aquecimento chamadas de underbody, que ficam debaixo de todo o corpo do paciente. Há diversos modelos de mantas para parte superior, inferior, cobertores com abertura e tamanho infantil, porém houve interesse apenas nas underbody tamanho adulto, por se tratar de um hospital que faz cirurgias cardíacas, de peito aberto, e que o acesso a regiões de membros inferiores também pode ser necessário. EVIDÊNCIAS ECONÔMICAS: A análise econômica foi feita em um modelo de árvore de decisão com as opções de aquisição para 3 salas cirúrgicas ou para 3 salas cirúrgicas e mais uma de procedimentos, totalizando 4 salas. A razão para escolha de um ou de outro depende do modelo de sistema de aquecimento escolhido, pois o que utiliza água não poderia ser usado na sala para procedimentos. As possibilidades foram calculadas sob as modalidades compra, comodato ou aluguel. O orçamento obtido foi da empresa ArtMedical com equipamentos da fabricante Gentherm®. Preços da empresa Sensymed® e de fornecedor da 3M© também foram obtidos, mas estavam em maior valor que o anterior. Ainda foram obtidos orçamentos públicos por meio do sítio de compras governamentais Painel de Preços, este apenas na modalidade comodato. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: O relatório apresenta revisões sistemática e ensaio clínico que avaliavam a necessidade para prevenir a hipotermia não intencional durante cirurgias e quais seriam os melhores sistemas de aquecimento cutâneo pré e transoperatório. Embora não tenha havido unanimidade de resultados, observou-se que houve comprovação do benefício do aquecimento corporal tanto antes, quanto durante a cirurgia; que os sistemas ativos se mostraram superiores aos passivos; e que entre todos, os sistemas de ar forçado ou circulação de água mostraram ligeira superioridade. De acordo com a avaliação econômica apresentada, independente se a decisão do gestor for de adquirir equipamentos para 3 ou 4 salas, os valores para compra se mostraram mais econômicos no longo prazo. Porém, para tanto, outros contratos de manutenção preventiva e corretiva, e de fornecimento de peças, deverão ser licitados em paralelo com o da compra. A utilização do sistema de ar forçado seria vantajosa caso defina-se que é necessário um kit para aquecimento corporal também na sala de procedimentos. Em relação ao preço público, observou-se uma variação grande entre o menor e o maior preço encontrado. A depender do preço obtido na licitação, esse sistema que utiliza o modelo de comodato, pode apresentar preços competitivos com o de compra dos itens. Isso pode ser vantajoso para o Instituto no interesse de ter máquinas com a manutenção sempre realizada.

A quantitative evaluation of aerosol generation during supraglottic airway insertion and removal.

Many guidelines consider supraglottic airway use to be an aerosol-generating procedure. This status requires increased levels of personal protective equipment, fallow time between cases and results in reduced operating theatre efficiency. Aerosol generation has never been quantitated during supraglottic airway use. To address this evidence gap, we conducted real-time aerosol monitoring (0.3-10-µm diameter) in ultraclean operating theatres during supraglottic airway insertion and removal. This showed very low background particle concentrations (median (IQR [range]) 1.6 (0-3.1 [0-4.0]) particles.l-1 ) against which the patient's tidal breathing produced a higher concentration of aerosol (4.0 (1.3-11.0 [0-44]) particles.l-1 , p = 0.048). The average aerosol concentration detected during supraglottic airway insertion (1.3 (1.0-4.2 [0-6.2]) particles.l-1 , n = 11), and removal (2.1 (0-17.5 [0-26.2]) particles.l-1 , n = 12) was no different to tidal breathing (p = 0.31 and p = 0.84, respectively). Comparison of supraglottic airway insertion and removal with a volitional cough (104 (66-169 [33-326]), n = 27), demonstrated that supraglottic airway insertion/removal sequences produced <4% of the aerosol compared with a single cough (p < 0.001). A transient aerosol increase was recorded during one complicated supraglottic airway insertion (which initially failed to provide a patent airway). Detailed analysis of this event showed an atypical particle size distribution and we subsequently identified multiple sources of non-respiratory aerosols that may be produced during airway management and can be considered as artefacts. These findings demonstrate supraglottic airway insertion/removal generates no more bio-aerosol than breathing and far less than a cough. This should inform the design of infection prevention strategies for anaesthetists and operating theatre staff caring for patients managed with supraglottic airways.

Operating room architecture is not a risk factor for surgical site infections.

Surgical site infection (SSI) may cause a substantial burden for patients and healthcare systems. A potential risk of different architectures of the operating room for SSI is yet unknown and was subject of this study. This observational cohort study was performed in a university hospital and evaluated patients, who underwent a broad spectrum of orthopedic surgeries in 2016 (open-plan operating room architecture) versus (vs) 2017 (closed-plan operating room architecture). Patients, who underwent surgery in the transition time period from the open-plan to the closed-plan operating room architecture and those, who were treated e.g. for osteomyelitis as index procedure were excluded. The primary outcome was revision surgery for early SSI within 30 (superficial) or 90 (deep or organ/space) days of surgery. Age, gender, American society of anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, and the body mass index (BMI) were considered as potential interacting factors in a logistic regression analysis. The incidence of revisions for SSI was 0.6 percent (%) (n = 45) in the 7'740 included surgical cases (mean age of 52 (standard deviation (SD) 19) years; n = 3'835 (50%) females). There was no difference in incidences of revision for SSI in the open- vs closed-plan operating room architecture (0.5% vs 0.7%; adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.34 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72-2.49, P = 0.35)). Age and gender were not a risk factor for revision for SSI. However, ASA classification and BMI were identified as risk factors for the incidence of revision for SSI (OR = 1.92 (95% CI 1.16- 3.18, P = 0.01) and OR = 1.05 (95% CI 1.00-1.11, P = 0.05)). The overall incidence of revisions for early SSI after a broad spectrum of orthopedic surgeries was relatively low (0.6%) and independent from the operating room architecture. An increase in ASA classification and possibly BMI, however, were identified as independent risk factors for revision for SSI.

Noninvasive neuromonitoring in the operating room and its role in the prevention of delirium.

Delirium is a frequent and serious complication after surgery. It has a variable incidence between 20% and 40% with the highest incidence in elderly people undergoing major or cardiac surgery. The development of postoperative delirium (POD) is associated with increased hospital stay lengths, morbidity, the need for home care, and mortality. Studies have appeared in the last decade that evaluate the use of noninvasive monitoring to prevent its development. The evaluation of the depth of anesthesia with processed EEG allows to avoid awareness and burst suppression events. The cessation of brain activity is associated with the development of delirium. Another noninvasive monitoring technique is NIRS for cerebral tissue hypoxia detection by measuring regional oxygen saturation. The reduction of this parameter does not seem to be associated with the development of POD but with postoperative cognitive dysfunction. There are few studies in the literature and with conflicting results on the use of the pupillometer and transcranial Doppler in predicting the development of postoperative delirium.

Mortalidad operatoria en cirugía mayor. Análisis retrospectivo en un Servicio de Cirugía / Operative mortality in major surgery. Retrospective analysis in a Surgery Service

RESUMEN Introducción: la propia asistencia médica provoca, en determinadas situaciones, problemas de salud que pueden llegar a ser importantes para el enfermo. El análisis de la mortalidad es uno de los parámetros utilizados para investigar la seguridad en la realización de procederes de cirugía mayor. Objetivo: determinar los factores asociados a la mortalidad operatoria en cirugías mayores. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo, de los pacientes que fallecieron tras la realización de una cirugía mayor, en el Hospital Militar Docente Dr. Mario Muñoz Monroy, de Matanzas, en el período comprendido de enero de 2011 a diciembre de 2019. Resultados: la tercera edad aportó 77,3 % de los fallecidos. La hipertensión arterial, diabetes mellitus y cardiopatía isquémica fueron las principales comorbilidades. El abdomen agudo fue el diagnóstico operatorio más frecuente con 98 (58,3 %). Las complicaciones aportaron el 11,9 % de los fallecidos; los eventos adversos, 29,7 %, y por el curso natural de la enfermedad, murió un 58,3 %. El síndrome de disfunción múltiple de órganos y el shock séptico resultaron las principales causas de muerte (62 %). Conclusiones: la mortalidad operatoria estuvo asociada a factores de riesgo como edad avanzada, enfermedades crónicas y cirugía de urgencia. Los eventos adversos elevan la incidencia de mortalidad en cirugía mayor. Las infecciones son la principal causa de mortalidad operatoria (AU).

ABSTRACT Introduction: medical care itself causes, in certain situations, health problems that could be very important for the patient. The mortality analysis is one of the parameters used to study safety performing procedures of major surgery. Objective: to determine the factors associated to operatory mortality in major surgeries. Materials and methods: a retrospective, descriptive and observational study was carried out of the patients who passed away after undergoing a major surgery in the Military Hospital Dr. Mario Munoz Monroy in the period between January 2011 and December 2019. Results: 77.3 % of the deceased were elder people. The main co-morbidities were arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease. The most frequent surgery diagnosis was acute abdomen with 98 patients (58.3 %). Complications yielded 11.9 % of the deceases, adverse events 29.7 % and 58.3 % died due to the natural course of the disease. The organs multiple dysfunction syndrome and septic shock were the main causes of dead (62 %). Conclusions: operatory mortality was associated to risk factors like advanced age, chronic diseases and emergency surgery. The adverse events increase mortality incidence in major surgery. Infections are the main causes of operatory mortality (AU).

Identification of promotion and prevention associated surgeon behaviors in the operating room to facilitate resident self-regulated learning.

BACKGROUND: The regulatory focus theory (RFT) posits that people can pursue goals with a promotion or prevention focus. Greater alignment of RFT motivational styles between faculty and residents may enhance resident operative autonomy. This study establishes a set of faculty behaviors residents can identify to infer faculty motivational styles. METHODS: 10 behaviors associated with promotion and prevention motivational styles were identified. General surgery residents rated faculty on how strongly they exhibit these behaviors. Faculty conducted a self-assessment of how strongly they exhibit these behaviors. RESULTS: There is a positive correlation between resident and faculty ratings for the promotion-associated behaviors of "works quickly," "high energy," and "mostly provides broad oversight," and for the prevention-associated behaviors of "works slowly and deliberately," "quiet and calm," and "preference for vigilant strategies." CONCLUSION: Residents can observe faculty operative behaviors to infer faculty motivational styles. Residents may use this knowledge to adjust to faculty motivational styles and enhance operative interactions.

Operating room extubation: A predictive factor for 1-year survival after double-lung transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Operating room (OR) extubation has been reported after lung transplantation (LT) in small cohorts. This study aimed to evaluate the prognosis of OR-extubated patients. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the safety of this approach and to identify its predictive factors. METHODS: This retrospective single-center cohort study included patients undergoing double lung transplantation (DLT) from January 2012 to June 2019. Patients undergoing multiorgan transplantation, repeat transplantation, or cardiopulmonary bypass during the study period were excluded. OR-extubated patients were compared with intensive care unit (ICU)-extubated patients. RESULTS: Among the 450 patients included in the analysis, 161 (35.8%) were extubated in the OR, and 4 were reintubated within 24 hours. Predictive factors for OR extubation were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)/emphysema (p = .002) and cystic fibrosis (p = .005), recipient body mass index (p = .048), and the PaO2/FiO2 ratio 10 minutes after second graft implantation (p < .001). OR-extubated patients had a lower prevalence of grade 3 primary graft dysfunction at day 3 (p < .001). Eight (5.0%) patients died within the first year after OR extubation, and 49 (13.5%) patients died after ICU extubation (log-rank test; p = .005). After adjustment for OR extubation predictive factors, the multivariate Cox regression model showed that OR extubation was associated with greater one-year survival (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.40 [0.16-0.91], p = .028). CONCLUSIONS: OR extubation was associated with a favorable prognosis after DLT, but the association should not be interpreted as causality. This fast-track protocol was made possible by a team committed to developing a comprehensive strategy to enhance recovery.

The Surgical Autonomy Program: A Pilot Study of Social Learning Theory Applied to Competency-Based Neurosurgical Education.

Over the last decade, strict duty hour policies, pressure for increased work related value units from faculty, and the apprenticeship model of education have coalesced to make opportunities for intraoperative teaching more challenging. Evidence is emerging that graduating residents are not exhibiting competence by failing to recognize major complications, and perform routine operations independently. In this pilot study, we combine Vygotsky's social learning theory with a modified version of the competency-based scale called TAGS to study 1 single operation, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, with 3 individual residents taught by a single faculty member. In order for the 3 residents to achieve "Solo and Observe" in all 4 zones of proximal development, the number of cases required was 10 cases for postgraduate year (PGY)-3a, 19 cases for PGY 3b, and 22 cases for the PGY 2. In this pilot study, the time required to complete an independent 2-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion by the residents correlated with the number of cases to reach competence. We demonstrate the Surgical Autonomy Program's ability to track neurosurgical resident's educational progress and the feasibility of using the Surgical Autonomy Program (SAP) to teach residents in the operating room and provide immediate formative feedback. Ultimately, the SAP represents a paradigm shift towards a modern, scalable competency-focused subspecialty teaching, evaluation and assessment tool that provides increases in resident's autonomy and metacognitive skills, as well as immediate formative feedback.

Endoscopic Endonasal Approach in the Smart Cyber Operating Theater (SCOT): Preliminary Clinical Application.

BACKGROUND: A next-generation networked operating room, Smart Cyber Operating Theater (SCOT), has been developed in cooperation with medical engineers that integrates standalone medical devices, including intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using the OPeLiNK communication interface. Here, we report the application of this newly developed advanced type of operating theater for the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA), along with an evaluation of our initial experiences. METHODS: The study population consisted of 18 patients with parasellar tumor. All patients underwent surgery via the EEA in SCOT. During all procedures, various types of intraoperative information, including electrophysiologic monitoring, anatomic orientation with navigation system, intraoperative MRI, and endoscopic images of the operative field, were collected and stored by OPeLiNK. Furthermore, the intraoperative information was shared with the surgical strategy desk, where a senior neurosurgeon can direct and manage the surgical procedure in real-time. RESULTS: We successfully completed the surgical procedures in SCOT in all cases. Using OPeLiNK, operators in SCOT were able to share various data, such as images obtained intraoperatively and surgical instrument position from navigation systems, as well as images of the surgical field, with senior neurosurgeons at the surgical strategy desk in all cases. Surgically relevant information from these sources was transmitted through an application and displayed to all surgical staff. The necessary nuances were reflected in the surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: SCOT, which is considered an innovative operation system in neurosurgery, enables both quality and safety in the EEA. Furthermore, the use of SCOT may also contribute to the education of young neurosurgeons.

Virtual reality operating room with AI guidance: design and validation of a fire scenario.

BACKGROUND: Operating room (OR) fires are uncommon but disastrous events. Inappropriate handling of OR fires can result in injuries, even death. Aiming to simulate OR fire emergencies and effectively train clinicians to react appropriately, we have developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-based OR fire virtual trainer based on the principle of the "fire triangle" and SAGES FUSE curriculum. The simulator can predict the user's actions in the virtual OR and provide them with timely feedback to assist with training. We conducted a study investigating the validity of the AI-assisted OR fire trainer at the 2019 SAGES Learning Center. METHODS: Fifty-three participants with varying medical experience were voluntarily recruited to participate in our Institutional Review Board approved study. All participants were asked to contain a fire within the virtual OR. Participants were then asked to fill out a 7-point Likert questionnaire consisting of ten questions regarding the face validation of the AI-assisted OR fire simulator. Shapiro-Wilk tests were conducted to test normality of the scores for each trial. A Friedman's ANOVA with post hoc tests was used to evaluate the effect of multiple trials on performance. RESULTS: On a 7-point scale, eight of the ten questions were rated a mean of 6 or greater (72.73%), especially those relating to the usefulness of the simulator for OR fire-containing training. 79.25% of the participants rated the degree of usefulness of AI guidance over 6 out of 7. The performance of individuals improved significantly over the five trials, χ2(4) = 119.89, p < .001, and there was a significant linear trend of performance r = .97, p = 0.006. A pairwise analysis showed that only after the introduction of AI did performance improve significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The AI-guided OR fire trainer offers the potential to assess OR personnel and teach the proper response to an iatrogenic fire scenario in a safe, repeatable, immersive environment.