The Use of a Novel Perfusion-Based Human Cadaveric Model for Simulation of Dural Venous Sinus Injury and Repair.

BACKGROUND: Dural sinus injuries are potentially serious complications associated with acute blood loss. It is imperative that neurosurgery trainees are able to recognize and manage this challenging scenario. OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of a novel perfusion-based cadaveric simulation model to provide the fundamentals of dural sinus repair to neurosurgical trainees. METHODS: A total of 10 perfusion-based human cadaveric models underwent superior sagittal sinus (SSS) laceration. Neurosurgery residents were instructed to achieve hemostasis by any method in the first trial and then repeated the trial after watching the instructional dural flap technique video. Trials were timed until hemostasis and control of the region of injury was achieved. Pre- and post-trial questionnaires were administered to assess trainee confidence levels. RESULTS: The high-flow extravasation of the perfusion-based cadaveric model mimicked similar conditions and challenges encountered during acute SSS injury. Mean ± standard deviation time to hemostasis was 341.3 ± 65 s in the first trial and 196.9 ± 41.8 s in the second trial (P < .0001). Mean trainee improvement time was 144.4 s (42.3%). Of the least-experienced trainees with longest repair times in the initial trial, a mean improvement time of 188.3 s (44.8%) was recorded. All participants reported increased confidence on post-trial questionnaires following the simulation (median pretrial confidence of 2 vs post-trial confidence of 4, P = .002). CONCLUSION: A perfusion-based human cadaveric model accurately simulates acute dural venous sinus injury, affording neurosurgical trainees the opportunity to hone management skills in a simulated and realistic environment.

Development of a Perfusion-Based Cadaveric Simulation Model Integrated into Neurosurgical Training: Feasibility Based On Reconstitution of Vascular and Cerebrospinal Fluid Systems.

BACKGROUND: Novel methodologies providing realistic simulation of the neurosurgical operating room environment are currently needed, particularly for highly subspecialized operations with steep learning curves, high-risk profiles, and demands for advanced psychomotor skills. OBJECTIVE: To describe the development of a curriculum for using perfusion-based cadaveric simulation models in a "Mock Operating Room" for neurosurgical procedures. METHODS: At the USC Keck School of Medicine Fresh Tissue Dissection Laboratory between 2012 and 2016, 43 cadaveric specimens underwent cannulation of the femoral or carotid artery and artificial perfusion of the arterial system, and/or cannulation of the intradural cervical spine for intrathecal reconstitution of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) system. Models were used to train neurosurgical residents in various procedures. Self-assessment of pre- and postprocedure trainee confidence (Likert) scores was compared for each module. RESULTS: The following novel procedural training methodologies were successfully established: management of an injury to the carotid artery during an endoscopic endonasal approach (n = 12), endoscopic endonasal CSF leak repair (n = 6) with fluorescein perfusion, carotid endarterectomy (n = 4), extracranial-to-intracranial bypass (n = 2), insertion of ventriculostomy catheter (n = 7), spinal laminectomy with durotomy repair (n = 9), and intraventricular neuro-endoscopy with septum pellucidotomy and third ventriculostomy (n = 12). In all instances, trainees reported improvement in their postprocedural confidence scores, with mean pre- and postprocedural Likert scores being 2.85 ± 1.09 and 4.14 ± 0.93 (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Augmentation of fresh cadaveric specimens via reconstitution of vascular and CSF pathways is a feasible methodology for complimenting surgical training in numerous neurosurgical procedures, and may hold implications in the future of neurosurgical resident education.