Glued suture-less peritoneum closure in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair reduces acute postoperative pain.

Inguinal hernia repair is performed more than 20 million times per annum, representing a significant health and economic burden. Over the last three decades, significant technical advances have started to reduce the invasiveness of these surgeries, which translated to better recovery and reduced costs. Here we bring forward an innovative surgical technique using a biodegradable cyanoacrylate glue instead of a traumatic suture to close the peritoneum, which is a highly innervated tissue layer, at the end of endoscopy hernia surgery. To test how this affects the invasiveness of hernia surgery, we conducted a cohort study. A total of 183 patients that underwent minimally invasive hernia repair, and the peritoneum was closed with either a conventional traumatic suture (n = 126, 68.9%) or our innovative approach using glue (n = 57, 31.1%). The proportion of patients experiencing acute pain after surgery was significantly reduced (36.8 vs. 54.0%, p = 0.032) by using glue instead of a suture. In accordance, the mean pain level was higher in the suture group (VAS = 1.5 vs. 1.3, p = 0.029) and more patients were still using painkillers (77.9 vs. 52.4%, p = 0.023). Furthermore, the rate of complications was not increased in the glue group. Using multivariate regressions, we identified that using a traumatic suture was an independent predictor of acute postoperative pain (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-3.9, p = 0.042). In conclusion, suture-less glue closure of the peritoneum is innovative, safe, less painful, and possibly leads to enhanced recovery and decreased health costs.

Abatacept in individuals at high risk of rheumatoid arthritis (APIPPRA): a randomised, double-blind, multicentre, parallel, placebo-controlled, phase 2b clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with serum antibodies to citrullinated protein antigens (ACPA), rheumatoid factor, and symptoms, such as inflammatory joint pain, are at high risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. In the arthritis prevention in the pre-clinical phase of rheumatoid arthritis with abatacept (APIPPRA) trial, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and acceptability of treating high risk individuals with the T-cell co-stimulation modulator abatacept. METHODS: The APIPPRA study was a randomised, double-blind, multicentre, parallel, placebo-controlled, phase 2b clinical trial done in 28 hospital-based early arthritis clinics in the UK and three in the Netherlands. Participants (aged ≥18 years) at risk of rheumatoid arthritis positive for ACPA and rheumatoid factor with inflammatory joint pain were recruited. Exclusion criteria included previous episodes of clinical synovitis and previous use of corticosteroids or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) using a computer-generated permuted block randomisation (block sizes of 2 and 4) stratified by sex, smoking, and country, to 125 mg abatacept subcutaneous injections weekly or placebo for 12 months, and then followed up for 12 months. Masking was achieved by providing four kits (identical in appearance and packaging) with pre-filled syringes with coded labels of abatacept or placebo every 3 months. The primary endpoint was the time to development of clinical synovitis in three or more joints or rheumatoid arthritis according to American College of Rheumatology and European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology 2010 criteria, whichever was met first. Synovitis was confirmed by ultrasonography. Follow-up was completed on Jan 13, 2021. All participants meeting the intention-to-treat principle were included in the analysis. This trial was registered with EudraCT (2013-003413-18). FINDINGS: Between Dec 22, 2014, and Jan 14, 2019, 280 individuals were evaluated for eligibility and, of 213 participants, 110 were randomly assigned to abatacept and 103 to placebo. During the treatment period, seven (6%) of 110 participants in the abatacept group and 30 (29%) of 103 participants in the placebo group met the primary endpoint. At 24 months, 27 (25%) of 110 participants in the abatacept group had progressed to rheumatoid arthritis, compared with 38 (37%) of 103 in the placebo group. The estimated proportion of participants remaining arthritis-free at 12 months was 92·8% (SE 2·6) in the abatacept group and 69·2% (4·7) in the placebo group. Kaplan-Meier arthritis-free survival plots over 24 months favoured abatacept (log-rank test p=0·044). The difference in restricted mean survival time between groups was 53 days (95% CI 28-78; p<0·0001) at 12 months and 99 days (95% CI 38-161; p=0·0016) at 24 months in favour of abatacept. During treatment, abatacept was associated with improvements in pain scores, functional wellbeing, and quality-of-life measurements, as well as low scores of subclinical synovitis by ultrasonography, compared with placebo. However, the effects were not sustained at 24 months. Seven serious adverse events occurred in the abatacept group and 11 in the placebo group, including one death in each group deemed unrelated to treatment. INTERPRETATION: Therapeutic intervention during the at-risk phase of rheumatoid arthritis is feasible, with acceptable safety profiles. T-cell co-stimulation modulation with abatacept for 12 months reduces progression to rheumatoid arthritis, with evidence of sustained efficacy beyond the treatment period, and with no new safety signals. FUNDING: Bristol Myers Squibb.

Comparison of the Sensor-Augmented Pump System with the Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop Delivery System: Quality of Life, Diabetes Distress, and Glycaemic Outcomes in a Real-Life Context.

BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is a chronic disease that requires exogenous insulin administration and intensive management to prevent any complications. Recent innovations in T1D management technologies include the Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop delivery system (AHCL). The pioneer AHCL system provides automated basal and automated bolus corrections when needed. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop (AHCL) system and the Sensor-Augmented Pump (SAP) with Predictive Low Glucose Management (PLGM) system, in relation to glycaemic outcomes, general and diabetes-related Quality of Life (QoL), and diabetes distress. METHODS: General and diabetes-related QoL were assessed with the Diabetes Quality of Life Brief Clinical Inventory (DQOL-BCI) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), respectively. Diabetes distress was assessed with the Diabetes Distress Scale for Type 1 diabetes (T1-DDS). RESULTS: Eighty-nine T1D adults participated in the study, mostly females (65.2%), with a mean age of 39.8 (± 11.5 years). They had on average 23 years of diabetes (± 10.7) and they were on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy. Significant differences favoring the AHCL over the SAP + PLGM system were demonstrated by lower mean glucose levels, less time above range, lower scores on DQOL-BCI, T1-DDS, and higher scores on WHOQOL-BREF. Finally, the linear regression models revealed the association of time in range in most of the above aspects. CONCLUSION: This study highlighted the advantages of the AHCL system over the SAP + PLGM system in the real-world setting in relation to general and diabetes-related QoL, diabetes distress, and glycaemic outcomes.

Optimized immunosuppression to prevent graft failure in renal transplant recipients with HLA antibodies (OuTSMART): a randomised controlled trial.

Background: 3% of kidney transplant recipients return to dialysis annually upon allograft failure. Development of antibodies (Ab) against human leukocyte antigens (HLA) is a validated prognostic biomarker of allograft failure. We tested whether screening for HLA Ab, combined with an intervention to improve adherence and optimization of immunosuppression could prevent allograft failure. Methods: Prospective, open-labelled randomised biomarker-based strategy (hybrid) trial in 13 UK transplant centres [EudraCT (2012-004308-36) and ISRCTN (46157828)]. Patients were randomly allocated (1:1) to unblinded or double-blinded arms and screened every 8 months. Unblinded HLA Ab+ patients were interviewed to encourage medication adherence and had tailored optimisation of Tacrolimus, Mycophenolate mofetil and Prednisolone. The primary outcome was time to graft failure in an intention to treat analysis. The trial had 80% power to detect a hazard ratio of 0.49 in donor specific antibody (DSA)+ patients. Findings: From 11/9/13 to 27/10/16, 5519 were screened for eligibility and 2037 randomised (1028 to unblinded care and 1009 to double blinded care). We identified 198 with DSA and 818 with non-DSA. Development of DSA, but not non-DSA was predictive of graft failure. HRs for graft failure in unblinded DSA+ and non-DSA+ groups were 1.54 (95% CI: 0.72 to 3.30) and 0.97 (0.54-1.74) respectively, providing no evidence of an intervention effect. Non-inferiority for the overall unblinded versus blinded comparison was not demonstrated as the upper confidence limit of the HR for graft failure exceeded 1.4 (1.02, 95% CI: 0.72 to 1.44). The only secondary endpoint reduced in the unblinded arm was biopsy-proven rejection. Interpretation: Intervention to improve adherence and optimize immunosuppression does not delay failure of renal transplants after development of DSA. Whilst DSA predicts increased risk of allograft failure, novel interventions are needed before screening can be used to direct therapy. Funding: The National Institute for Health Research Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation programme grant (ref 11/100/34).

Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 During COVID-19: Psychological Symptoms and Eating Attitudes.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 is a chronic metabolic disorder, the treatment of which extremely burdens the patient. The lockdown, as a measure to prevent the spreading of the 2019 coronavirus disease, was a major challenge for the general public. People with chronic diseases, such as T1D patients, have complex emotional and psychological needs and are at increased risk for both depressive symptoms and anxiety. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of body mass index of T1D patients on the psychological symptoms and eating habits, as well as the prognostic factors of the psychological symptoms during the lockdown period. METHODS: Diabetes mellitus patients were invited to complete this survey from the outpatient Diabetes clinic of the General Hospital of Chania and the "AHEPA" General University Hospital of Thessaloniki in Greece. Psychological symptoms were assessed using the DASS-42 questionnaire, and eating habits were assessed using the EAT-26 questionnaire. RESULTS: Overall, 112 T1D patients were analyzed (response rate: 28.8%). Obese T1D patients appear to be at greater risk of developing psychological symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Furthermore, disordered eating behaviors and bulimia and food preoccupation subscale are associated with psychological symptoms. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that obese T1D patients are at greater risk of developing psychological symptoms. Moreover, when an eating disorder is triggered, negative psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety are reduced. The results of this study may guide targeted interventions among T1D patients.

5G in Healthcare: From COVID-19 to Future Challenges.

Worldwide up to May 2022 there have been 515 million cases of COVID-19 infection and over 6 million deaths. The World Health Organization estimated that 115,000 healthcare workers died from COVID-19 from January 2020 to May 2021. This toll on human lives prompted this review on 5G based networking primarily on major components of healthcare delivery: diagnosis, patient monitoring, contact tracing, diagnostic imaging tests, vaccines distribution, emergency medical services, telesurgery and robot-assisted tele-ultrasound. The positive impact of 5G as core technology for COVID-19 applications enabled exchange of huge data sets in fangcang (cabin) hospitals and real-time contact tracing, while the low latency enhanced robot-assisted tele-ultrasound, and telementoring during ophthalmic surgery. In other instances, 5G provided a supportive technology for applications related to COVID-19, e.g., patient monitoring. The feasibility of 5G telesurgery was proven, albeit by a few studies on real patients, in very low samples size in most instances. The important future applications of 5G in healthcare include surveillance of elderly people, the immunosuppressed, and nano- oncology for Internet of Nano Things (IoNT). Issues remain and these require resolution before routine clinical adoption. These include infrastructure and coverage; health risks; security and privacy protection of patients' data; 5G implementation with artificial intelligence, blockchain, and IoT; validation, patient acceptance and training of end-users on these technologies.

A systematic review on artificial intelligence in robot-assisted surgery.

BACKGROUND: Despite the extensive published literature on the significant potential of artificial intelligence (AI) there are no reports on its efficacy in improving patient safety in robot-assisted surgery (RAS). The purposes of this work are to systematically review the published literature on AI in RAS, and to identify and discuss current limitations and challenges. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and IEEExplore according to PRISMA 2020 statement. Eligible articles were peer-review studies published in English language from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020. Amstar 2 was used for quality assessment. Risk of bias was evaluated with the Newcastle Ottawa Quality assessment tool. Data of the studies were visually presented in tables using SPIDER tool. RESULTS: Thirty-five publications, representing 3436 patients, met the search criteria and were included in the analysis. The selected reports concern: motion analysis (n = 17), urology (n = 12), gynecology (n = 1), other specialties (n = 1), training (n = 3), and tissue retraction (n = 1). Precision for surgical tools detection varied from 76.0% to 90.6%. Mean absolute error on prediction of urinary continence after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) ranged from 85.9 to 134.7 days. Accuracy on prediction of length of stay after RARP was 88.5%. Accuracy on recognition of the next surgical task during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) achieved 75.7%. CONCLUSION: The reviewed studies were of low quality. The findings are limited by the small size of the datasets. Comparison between studies on the same topic was restricted due to algorithms and datasets heterogeneity. There is no proof that currently AI can identify the critical tasks of RAS operations, which determine patient outcome. There is an urgent need for studies on large datasets and external validation of the AI algorithms used. Furthermore, the results should be transparent and meaningful to surgeons, enabling them to inform patients in layman's words. REGISTRATION: Review Registry Unique Identifying Number: reviewregistry1225.

The diabetes quality of life brief clinical inventory in combination with the management strategies in type 1 diabetes mellitus with or without the use of insulin pump.

AIMS: The aims of this study are to evaluate any differences in the Quality of life among Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII) and Multiple Dose Injection (MDI) insulin delivery, applying the Diabetes Quality of life Brief Clinical Inventory (DQoL-BCI) questionnaire, and assess the diabetes management strategies between the two groups. METHODS: One hundred and ten adult participants (male/female ratio 1:2.7) with type 1 diabetes were recruited in this online survey. Forty-eight of them were using CSII and the rest 62 (were using) MDI insulin delivery. A 23-item socio-demographic/diabetes management strategies questionnaire and the 15-item DQoL-BCI were administered. RESULTS: CSII users scored statistically, significantly better at the satisfaction treatment subscale (p = 0.032) of the DQoL-BCI and emerged that they were implemented more management strategies such as dietician guidance services (p = 0.002), carbohydrate education seminars (p = 0.03). Predictive factors were also detected regarding the HbA1c < 7% (53 mmol/mol) and ß-coefficients in relation to DQoL-BCI questionnaire with the subscales of a negative impact and satisfaction treatment. CONCLUSION: Diabetes self-management education plays a key role to a better compliance with the treatment. Client-centered multidisciplinary centers in T1DM education are essential so that they be applicable for all T1DM patients irrespective of the type of insulin delivery they used.

5G Use in Healthcare: The Future is Present.

BACKGROUND: Most healthcare providers are unaware of the extraordinary opportunities for implementation in healthcare which can be enabled by 5G wireless networks. 5G created enormous opportunities for a myriad of new technologies, resulting in an integrated through 5G 'ecosystem'. Although the new opportunities in healthcare are immense, medicine is slow to change, as manifest by the paucity of new, innovative applications based upon this ecosystem. Thus, emerges the need to "avoid technology surprise" - both laparoscopic and robotic assisted minimally invasive surgery were delayed for years because the surgical community was either unaware or unaccepting of a new technology. DATABASE: PubMed (Medline) and Scopus (Elsevier) databases were searched and all published studies regarding clinical applications of 5G were retrieved. From a total of 40 articles, 13 were finally included in our review. DISCUSSION: The important transformational properties of 5G communications and other innovative technologies are described and compared to healthcare needs, looking for opportunities, limitations, and challenges to implementation of 5G and the ecosystem it has spawned. Furthermore, the needs in the clinical applications, education and research in medicine and surgery, in addition to the administrative infrastructure are addressed. Additionally, we explore the nontechnical challenges, that either support or oppose this new healthcare renovation. Based upon proven advantages of these innovative technologies, current scientific evidence is analyzed for future trends for the transformation of healthcare. By providing awareness of these opportunities and their advantages for patients, it will be possible to decrease the prolonged timeframe for acceptance and implementation for patients.

Performance Assessment of Subjects With Nursing Education Trained in Sigmoidoscopy by Means of a Simulator.

Reports evaluating simulation-based sigmoidoscopy training among nurses are scarce. The aim of this prospective nonrandomized study was to assess the performance of nurses in simulated sigmoidoscopy training and the potential impact on their performance of endoscopy unit experience, general professional experience, and skills in manual activities requiring coordinated maneuvers. Forty-four subjects were included: 12 nurses with (Group A) and 14 nurses without endoscopy unit experience (Group B) as well as 18 senior nursing students (Group C). All received simulator training in sigmoidoscopy. Participants were evaluated with respect to predetermined validated metrics. Skills in manual activities requiring coordinated maneuvers were analyzed to draw possible correlations with their performance. The total population required a median number of 5 attempts to achieve all predetermined goals. Groups A and C outperformed Group B regarding the number of attempts needed to achieve the predetermined percentage of visualized mucosa (p = .017, p = .027, respectively). Furthermore, Group A outperformed Group B regarding the predetermined duration of procedure (p = .046). A tendency was observed for fewer attempts needed to achieve the overall successful endoscopy in both Groups A and C compared with Group B. Increased score on playing stringed instruments was associated with decreased total time of procedure (rs = -.34, p = .03) and with decreased number of total attempts for successful endoscopy (rs = -.31, p = .046). This study suggests that training nurses and nursing students in simulated sigmoidoscopy is feasible by means of a proper training program. Experience in endoscopy unit and skills in manual activities have a positive impact on the training process.

A longitudinal study of multiple lifestyle health risk behaviours among nursing students and non-nursing peers.

AIM: The aim of this paper is to compare the evolution of health risk behaviours between undergraduate nursing and social work students. BACKGROUND: Nursing includes the promotion of health and the shaping of healthy behaviours. An important determinant for providing lifestyle advice is the lifestyle of nurses themselves. DESIGN: Longitudinal comparative study. MEASUREMENTS: We compared lifestyle risk behaviours (binge drinking, cannabis/hashish/marijuana use, smoking, oral hygiene/toothbrushing, breakfast/fruit/vegetable consumption, physical activity and screen time/sedentary behaviours) using a self-administered standardized questionnaire in nursing (n = 121) and social work (n = 140) students at the beginning (2012) and the end of their studies (2015). Adjusted multivariable logistic/Poisson regression models were performed. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the departments in most risk factors in both assessments. However, in relation to their first year, both nursing and social work students displayed higher relative risk of engaging in more behavioural risk factors at the end of their studies (in delivery/junk food consumption, sunburns, hashish/marijuana use and multiple sexual partners). Social work students displayed better behaviours in physical activity and breakfast intake. CONCLUSION: Nursing students share the patterns of their nonnursing peers in behavioural risk factors compromising their future health and health-promoting role. We need strategies to safeguard the professional nursing practice.

Proving the Effectiveness of the Fundamentals of Robotic Surgery (FRS) Skills Curriculum: A Single-blinded, Multispecialty, Multi-institutional Randomized Control Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the noninferiority of the fundamentals of robotic surgery (FRS) skills curriculum over current training paradigms and identify an ideal training platform. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: There is currently no validated, uniformly accepted curriculum for training in robotic surgery skills. METHODS: Single-blinded parallel-group randomized trial at 12 international American College of Surgeons (ACS) Accredited Education Institutes (AEI). Thirty-three robotic surgery experts and 123 inexperienced surgical trainees were enrolled between April 2015 and November 2016. Benchmarks (proficiency levels) on the 7 FRS Dome tasks were established based on expert performance. Participants were then randomly assigned to 4 training groups: Dome (n = 29), dV-Trainer (n = 30), and DVSS (n = 32) that trained to benchmarks and control (n = 32) that trained using locally available robotic skills curricula. The primary outcome was participant performance after training based on task errors and duration on 5 basic robotic tasks (knot tying, continuous suturing, cutting, dissection, and vessel coagulation) using an avian tissue model (transfer-test). Secondary outcomes included cognitive test scores, GEARS ratings, and robot familiarity checklist scores. RESULTS: All groups demonstrated significant performance improvement after skills training (P < 0.01). Participating residents and fellows performed tasks faster (DOME and DVSS groups) and with fewer errors than controls (DOME group; P < 0.01). Inter-rater reliability was high for the checklist scores (0.82-0.97) but moderate for GEARS ratings (0.40-0.67). CONCLUSIONS: We provide evidence of effectiveness for the FRS curriculum by demonstrating better performance of those trained following FRS compared with controls on a transfer test. We therefore argue for its implementation across training programs before surgeons apply these skills clinically.

Validation of a Novel Needle Holder to Train Advanced Laparoscopy Skills to Novices in a Simulator Environment.

Background. Our aim was to determine if a newly designed Najar needle holder (NNH) shortens the time for novices to improve advanced laparoscopy (AL) techniques (suturing/knot tying), compared with a conventional macro needle holder (MNH) in a simulator. Furthermore, we aimed to validate a new video scoring system determining AL skills. Methods. Forty-six medical students performed identical surgical tasks in a prospective, crossover study evaluating AL skills (NNH vs MNH). All subjects performed a double-throw knot, 2 single-throw knots following 3 running sutures in the Simball Box (SB) simulator. After resting, subjects switched needle holders. All tasks were videotaped and analyzed using SB software and by 2 independent reviewers using the Objective Video Evaluation Scoring Table (OVEST). Trial performance expressed as SB Overall Score (SBOS) and OVEST. Results. In the group starting with NNH (followed by MNH) OVEST was consistently high during both trials (median = 12.5, range = 6.5-18.0, and median = 13.5, range = 6.5-21.0; P = .2360). However, in the group starting with MNH, OVEST improved significantly when the participants changed to NNH (median = 10.0, range = 2.5-19.5, vs median = 14.5, range = 4.5-18.0; P = .0003); an improvement was also found with SBOS (median = 37%, range = 27% to 92%, vs median = 48%, range = 34% to 70%; P = .0289). In both trials, both independent reviewers' OVEST measures correlated well: Trial 1: ß = 0.97, P < .0001; and Trial 2: ß = 0.95, P < .0001. A correlation also existed between SBOS and OVEST in both trials (ß = 2.1, P < .0001; and ß = 1.9, P = .0002). Conclusions. This study indicates a significantly higher improvement in laparoscopic suturing skills in novices training AL skills using NNH compared with MNH. Starting early, AL training in novices using NNH is a feasible option. Furthermore, OVEST used in experimental settings as an evaluation tool is comparable with the validated SBOS.

Trainee Performance After Laparoscopic Simulator Training Using a Blackbox versus LapMentor.

BACKGROUND: Training using laparoscopic high-fidelity simulators (LHFSs) to proficiency levels improves laparoscopic cholecystectomy skills. However, high-cost simulators and their limited availability could negatively impact residents' laparoscopic training opportunities. We aimed to assess whether motivation and surgical skill performance differ after basic skills training (BST) using a low-cost (Blackbox) versus LHFS (LapMentor) among medical students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-three medical students from Karolinska Institutet volunteered, completing written informed consent, questionnaire regarding expectations of the simulation training, and a visuospatial ability test. They were randomized into two groups that received BST using Blackbox (n = 32) or LapMentor (n = 31). However, seven students absence resulted in 56 participants, followed by another 9 dropouts. Subsequently, after training, 47 students took up three consecutive tests using the minimally invasive surgical trainer-virtual reality (MIST-VR) simulator, finalizing a questionnaire. RESULTS: More Blackbox group participants completed all MIST-VR tests (29/31 versus 18/25). Students anticipated mastering LapMentor would be more difficult than Blackbox (P = 0.04). In those completing the simulation training, a trend toward an increase was noted in how well participants in the Blackbox group liked the simulator training (P = 0.07). Subgroup analysis of motivation and difficulty in liking the training regardless of simulator was found only in women (Blackbox [P = 0.02]; LapMentor [P = 0.06]). In the Blackbox group, the perceived difficulty of training, facilitation, and liking the Blackbox training (significant only in women) were significantly correlated with the students' performance in the MIST-simulator. No such correlations were found in the LapMentor group. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate an important role for low-tech/low-cost Blackbox laparoscopic BST of students in an otherwise high-tech surrounding. Furthermore, experience of Blackbox BST procedures correlate with students' performance in the MIST-VR simulator, with some gender-specific differences.

An automated skills assessment framework for laparoscopic training tasks.

BACKGROUND: Various sensors and methods are used for evaluating trainees' skills in laparoscopic procedures. These methods are usually task-specific and involve high costs or advanced setups. METHODS: In this paper, we propose a novel manoeuver representation feature space (MRFS) constructed by tracking the vanishing points of the edges of the graspers on the video sequence frames, acquired by the standard box trainer camera. This study aims to provide task-agnostic classification of trainees in experts and novices using a single MRFS over two basic laparoscopic tasks. RESULTS: The system achieves an average of 96% correct classification ratio (CCR) when no information on the performed task is available and >98% CCR when the task is known, outperforming a recently proposed video-based technique by >13%. CONCLUSIONS: Robustness, extensibility and accurate task-agnostic classification between novices and experts is achieved by utilizing advanced computer vision techniques and derived features from a novel MRFS.

Video analysis in basic skills training: a way to expand the value and use of BlackBox training?

BACKGROUND: Basic skills training in laparoscopic high-fidelity simulators (LHFS) improves laparoscopic skills. However, since LHFS are expensive, their availability is limited. The aim of this study was to assess whether automated video analysis of low-cost BlackBox laparoscopic training could provide an alternative to LHFS in basic skills training. METHODS: Medical students volunteered to participate during their surgical semester at the Karolinska University Hospital. After written informed consent, they performed two laparoscopic tasks (PEG-transfer and precision-cutting) on a BlackBox trainer. All tasks were videotaped and sent to MPLSC for automated video analysis, generating two parameters (Pl and Prtcl_tot) that assess the total motion activity. The students then carried out final tests on the MIST-VR simulator. This study was a European collaboration among two simulation centers, located in Sweden and Greece, within the framework of ACS-AEI. RESULTS: 31 students (19 females and 12 males), mean age of 26.2 ± 0.8 years, participated in the study. However, since two of the students completed only one of the three MIST-VR tasks, they were excluded. The three MIST-VR scores showed significant positive correlations to both the Pl variable in the automated video analysis of the PEG-transfer (RSquare 0.48, P < 0.0001; 0.34, P = 0.0009; 0.45, P < 0.0001, respectively) as well as to the Prtcl_tot variable in that same exercise (RSquare 0.42, P = 0.0002; 0.29, P = 0.0024; 0.45, P < 0.0001). However, the correlations were exclusively shown in the group with less PC gaming experience as well as in the female group. CONCLUSIONS: Automated video analysis provides accurate results in line with those of the validated MIST-VR. We believe that a more frequent use of automated video analysis could provide an extended value to cost-efficient laparoscopic BlackBox training. However, since there are gender-specific as well as PC gaming experience differences, this should be taken in account regarding the value of automated video analysis.

Striving for Better Medical Education: the Simulation Approach.

Medical simulation is a rapidly expanding area within medical education due to advances in technology, significant reduction in training hours and increased procedural complexity. Simulation training aims to enhance patient safety through improved technical competency and eliminating human factors in a risk free environment. It is particularly applicable to a practical, procedure-orientated specialties. Simulation can be useful for novice trainees, experienced clinicians (e.g. for revalidation) and team building. It has become a cornerstone in the delivery of medical education, being a paradigm shift in how doctors are educated and trained. Simulation must take a proactive position in the development of metric-based simulation curriculum, adoption of proficiency benchmarking definitions, and should not depend on the simulation platforms used. Conversely, ingraining of poor practice may occur in the absence of adequate supervision, and equipment malfunction during the simulation can break the immersion and disrupt any learning that has occurred. Despite the presence of high technology, there is a substantial learning curve for both learners and facilitators. The technology of simulation continues to advance, offering devices capable of improved fidelity in virtual reality simulation, more sophisticated procedural practice and advanced patient simulators. Simulation-based training has also brought about paradigm shifts in the medical and surgical education arenas and ensured that the scope and impact of simulation will continue to broaden.

Fast myocardial perfusion imaging with 99mTc in challenging patients using conventional SPECT cameras.

BACKGROUND: We attempted to validate the performance of a fast myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) protocol in diagnostically challenging patients. METHODS: 78 patients with ΒΜΙ > 24.9, LVH or three vessels disease underwent two sequential gated-MPI studies. The first at 15 (Early Imaging, EI) and the second at 45 (Late Imaging, LI) minutes post 99mTc-injection, at both stress and rest. Counts over heart (H), liver (Liv) and subdiaphragmatic space (Sub) and image quality, and myocardial perfusion and function parameters were compared between the two protocols. Coronary angiography was performed within 2 months from MPI, and ROC analysis was used to compare the diagnostic accuracy for the detection of ≥50% diameter luminal stenosis. RESULTS: Quality was optimal-good in 93% of EI and 98% of LI studies (P = .12), H/Liv and stress H/Sub ratios were similar, but rest H/Sub ratio was lower in EI (P = .009). SSS [10 (0 to 46) vs 9 (0 to 36), P = .006] and SDS [3 (0 to 35) vs 2 (0 to 34), P = .02] were higher in EI protocol. LVEF, motion and thickening scores did not differ between the two protocols. A highly significant (P < .001) linear relationship with clinically negligible mean differences in Bland-Altman analysis was observed for all perfusion and function-related data. Sensitivity (EI 81%, LI 80%) and specificity (65% for both) did not differ (P = .23) between the two protocols. CONCLUSION: The fast protocol is technically feasible and diagnostically accurate compared to the established protocol in diagnostically challenging patients.

MRI-Related Geometric Distortions in Stereotactic Radiotherapy Treatment Planning: Evaluation and Dosimetric Impact.

In view of their superior soft tissue contrast compared to computed tomography, magnetic resonance images are commonly involved in stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy applications for target delineation purposes. It is known, however, that magnetic resonance images are geometrically distorted, thus deteriorating dose delivery accuracy. The present work focuses on the assessment of geometric distortion inherent in magnetic resonance images used in stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy treatment planning and attempts to quantitively evaluate the consequent impact on dose delivery. The geometric distortions for 3 clinical magnetic resonance protocols (at both 1.5 and 3.0 T) used for stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy treatment planning were evaluated using a recently proposed phantom and methodology. Areas of increased distortion were identified at the edges of the imaged volume which was comparable to a brain scan. Although mean absolute distortion did not exceed 0.5 mm on any spatial axis, maximum detected control point disposition reached 2 mm. In an effort to establish what could be considered as acceptable geometric uncertainty, highly conformal plans were utilized to irradiate targets of different diameters (5-50 mm). The targets were mispositioned by 0.5 up to 3 mm, and dose-volume histograms and plan quality indices clinically used for plan evaluation and acceptance were derived and used to investigate the effect of geometrical uncertainty (distortion) on dose delivery accuracy and plan quality. The latter was found to be strongly dependent on target size. For targets less than 20 mm in diameter, a spatial disposition of the order of 1 mm could significantly affect (>5%) plan acceptance/quality indices. For targets with diameter greater than 2 cm, the corresponding disposition was found greater than 1.5 mm. Overall results of this work suggest that efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy applications could be compromised in case of very small targets lying distant from the scanner's isocenter (eg, the periphery of the brain).