Article Type : Research Article
Authors : Small C, Nwafor D, Patel D, Dawoud F, Dagra A, Ciporen J and Lucke-Wold B6
Keywords : Crisis management; Neurosurgical simulation; Current models; Future discovery
Crisis management simulation is important in training the
next generation of surgeons. In this review, we highlight our experiences with
the cavernous carotid injury model. We then delve into other crisis simulation
models available for the neurosurgical specialty. The discussion focuses upon
how these trainings can continue to evolve. Much work is yet to be done in this
exciting arena and we present several avenues for future discovery. Simulation
continues to be an important training tool for the surgical learner.
The complexity of modern
surgical techniques and the development of new technologies make risks
unavoidable in the operating room. In fact, errors in the operating room can
cause irreparable harm to patients or death [1,2]. Therefore, it is incumbent
on surgeons to preoperatively plan their cases by running simulations that
target emergent crises. Simulations have been extensively utilized by other
professions prior to its implementation in medicine. For example, the
performance of a pianist is easily distinguishable if the pianist spends a
greater amount of time in solitary practice separate from the required time
spent in training by the musical ensemble [3]. Likewise, simulated scenarios in
aviation can be used to train flight crews to manage and prepare for unexpected
situations [4,5]. Extrapolating these examples to the surgical realm, it
becomes clear that repetitive simulated exercises that rely on prior knowledge
and informative feedback improves performance in the operating room [1]. Also,
simulation models are incorporated into surgical trainee programs to mitigate
the current landscape of work hour restrictions on surgical residents so as to
ensure that surgical residents attain proficiency on complex technical skills
and develop the level of operative experience needed to work independently
[6-9].
Simulation models provide
a practical experience guided by reflection in a risk-free and low stress
environment; hence, it becomes evident why a majority of surgical
subspecialties implement simulation models as part of residency training
[10-12]. Simulation strategies can be divided into: 1) interdisciplinary
(single specialty) simulation which focuses on technical skill acquisition and
2) multidisciplinary (multiple specialties) simulation which focuses on
improving communication errors, decision making, and teamwork dynamics (e.g.
non-technical skills) [13-14]. The multidisciplinary approach recognizes that
the technically skilled surgeon does not work alone in the operating room and
must communicate effectively with the surgical team to ensure patient safety
and reduce clinical errors [16]. Team members participating in
multidisciplinary simulations are debriefed following the simulation on a
one-on-one basis or with the whole team. Furthermore, the multidisciplinary
approach encourages the participant to comment on their own performance using
team-based assessment tools or performance surveys [17-19]. Findings from
several studies have demonstrated that participation in medical team training
exercises improved team confidence, patient outcome and lowered surgical
mortality [14-21]. The multidisciplinary approach is gaining recognition in
several surgical subspecialties though still in its infancy.
Surgical simulation
models are broadly categorized into four distinct classes, which include: 1)
animal models, 2) human cadaveric models, 3) synthetic models, and 4) virtual
or robot-assisted models [10,21-24]. Each model can be further categorized into
low-fidelity or high fidelity, which describes the closeness of the model to
reality. Low-fidelity models such as suturing or knot-tying are often suited
for the early career surgeon, while high-fidelity models which replicate an
entire surgical operation with high realism are best suited for the
intermediate or advanced surgeon [15]. The use of human cadavers as a model of
simulation is often regarded to as the gold standard of simulation due to its
approximation to human living tissue, realistic anatomy, and the appreciation
of anatomic variations which may be present in live patients [24,25]. Despite
human cadaveric models providing an adequate representation of human anatomy
they fail to emulate physiological conditions or tissue bleeding compared to
live animal models [23]. Human cadaveric and animal models often require
regular maintenance, storage, and ethical approval which may delay their
implementation into the surgical trainee curricula [22,23]. Synthetic models
are often used to circumvent the limitations of utilizing human cadaveric and
animal models. Synthetic models are able to recapitulate realistic anatomic
consistencies but fail to replicate soft tissue consistency [22-26]. In
comparison to the aforementioned models, virtual simulators have only been
developed in recent decades, and are yet to be fully implemented in the
surgical trainee curricula [27]. A unique advantage of the virtual model is the
ability to recreate rare surgical cases that the surgical trainee may not
otherwise encounter [28]. Despite the preference for human cadaveric, animal, and
synthetic models over virtual simulators, there is a growing expansion and
shift towards virtual and robot-assisted simulators due to their versatility
and considerable evidence demonstrating that virtual simulators improve
operative time and surgical performance [10, 29-31]. A major drawback towards
the implementation of simulation models is – cost [32,33]. Nevertheless, it is
evident that the benefit of utilizing surgical simulators clearly outweighs the
prohibitive cost since several studies have demonstrated that modelling
operative experience improved familiarity with equipment, effective
communication, trainee confidence, and most importantly patient outcome
[15,22-26]. Recent technological advancements like 3D printing introduce a
cost-effective approach that enables the rapid development of surgical
simulators that aid surgical planning and crises management [34-36]. Injury to
the cavernous part of the carotid artery is a challenging scenario for any
surgical team. The high pressure and high risk environment following a
cavernous carotid injury can prove difficult even for the most experienced
neurosurgeons [37]. In the present review, we provide a critical overview of
crisis management simulation for a cavernous carotid injury. Finally, we
discuss other modalities of crises management in neurosurgery practice.
In a previous pilot
study, we established an endoscopic endonasal simulation for the management of
intraoperative cavernous carotid injury [38]. The endoscopic endonasal approach
is commonly used by neurosurgeons for pituitary and skull base surgeries
[39,40]. Some studies suggest the incidence of carotid artery injury to be as
high as 9% during endonasal surgery [37]. Given the devastating nature of
carotid injuries, it is critical that both surgeons and anaesthesiologists are
prepared to address this occurrence efficiently and effectively. Simulation has
been shown to be an effective method to prepare for crisis clinical scenarios
in a safe learning environment [41].
Our vascular perfusion
model uses adult cadaveric heads as previously described [38]. Briefly, adult
cadaveric heads were prepared by washing out the great vessels of the neck with
anticoagulant citrate dextrose. The heads were then stored at 5°C overnight,
embalmed, and stored in formalin fixative solution. The heads were then
dissected using an endoscope connected to a fibrotic camera. A standard
endoscopic endonasal approach to visualize the sella, tuberculum, clivus,
optico-carotid recesses, and cavernous carotid arteries was performed. A
Kerrison rongeur was used to remove the bone overlying the cavernous carotid
artery and a 3mm incision was made in the right internal carotid artery. The
common carotid artery was then cannulized and artificial blood was perfused
using a perfusion pump. An arterial line was also set up to measure and control
mean arterial pressure. Learners were tasked with using a muscle graft from the
temporalis muscle to control the bleeding. A variety of clinical scenarios can
be simulated by altering factors such as mean arterial pressure and duration of
time in which vascular control must be obtained. The simulation included an
anaesthesia team equipped with a Laerdal SimMan patient simulator, anaesthesia
drug cart, and anaesthesia machine. Surgical emergencies, such as carotid
injuries, are best managed with an interdisciplinary approach involving
anaesthesiology and the surgical team. As endoscopic endonasal approaches are
employed by both otolaryngologists (ENT) and neurosurgeons, we performed this
simulation with both ENT/anaesthesiology teams and neurosurgery/anaesthesiology
teams [18,42]. Learners were able to develop algorithms that can be implemented
in future crisis scenarios [42]. During the simulation experience, learners became
more effective and efficient at minimizing blood loss with each subsequent
simulation scenario [18]. Additionally, both neurosurgical and ENT learners
improved their understanding of relevant surgical anatomy and increased their
familiarity with use of endoscopic instruments. An independent cohort of
faculty members evaluated both surgical and anaesthesia participants with
regards to situational awareness, decision-making abilities,
communication/teamwork, and leadership skills. Results demonstrated that with
each subsequent scenario, learners received higher scores in each of these
domains [18]. In post-simulation surveys, both surgical and anaesthesia
learners expressed that they found the simulation to be useful and would be
interested in having future simulations incorporated into their educational
experience [18,42]. In summary, our interdisciplinary simulation not only
allowed learners to develop algorithms for carotid injury management, but also
taught transferable skills such as teamwork and effective communication
strategies that can be applied to any crisis management situation.
Several other models have
been utilized in neurosurgical training over the years in order to allow
neurosurgical trainees opportunities to experience surgical scenarios that they
may not otherwise observe in their clinical training and to improve their
surgical management in controlled environments. There have been a wide array of
model mediums including synthetic, cadaveric, and virtual models, which have
been gaining traction in recent years [43]. These models have been used to
simulate a multitude of other surgical scenarios with potential crisis
management including aneurysmal rupture, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, tumor
removal near critical structures, and spinal fixation accuracy. Arterial
perfusion models have been one of the primary modalities for crisis management
simulation due to their ability to simulate a multitude of vascular injuries
and potential intra-operative emergencies [44]. Internal carotid injury models
have been widely used and noted to be effective in crisis management training
[45]. Perfused models been especially useful for open cerebrovascular training
which has become less prominent in neurosurgical training programs where the
management paradigms have shifted towards endovascular intervention [43,45].
Studies have showed that aneurysmal rupture during pre-clipping dissection is
reduced with experience in operating room [44]. As a result, realistic simulations
of aneurysm clipping approaches have been a critical aid to allow neurosurgical
residents extra training where such cases maybe seldom done. A realistic
simulation perfused model was developed. for training aneurysm clipping and
managing intraoperative bleeding.46 Cadavers were implanted with aortic balloon
pumps to mimic pulsatile blood flow and physiologic blood pressures. In this
large study, 96% of participants felt that the model simulated the conditions
of live surgery [46]. A similar technique for carotid perfused models to
perfuse saline in the subarachnoid space of cadavers using Pediatric arterial
catheters to simulate endoscopic third ventriculostomy and septum pellucidotomy
procedures [47]. Similar models have also been used to simulate CSF leak in
spinal procedures to train residents in emergent dural repair [48]. A skull base tumor model was utilized by
Gragnaniello et al. where a synthetic polymer was injected into cadaveric
perfused heads via endonasal/trans oral route to simulate surgical management
of space occupying lesions near critical structures [49]. The polymer,
Stratathane resin ST-504, expands as a foam internally and then solidifies,
simulating a tumour which distorts normal anatomy. The model was also perfused with blood
product with human serum in order to mimic normal blood clotting and
consistency. This simulation allowed trainees to explore sixteen different
approaches to tumours removal in the setting of tumour distorted anatomy with
potential of neurovascular injury through perfused models. Spinal models have
also been shown to be very effective in simulating spinal exposure approaches
and in pedicle screw placement accuracy. Several studies have noted that errors
decrease significantly with repeated model use particularly in screw violations
of pedicle walls [44]. In recent years with the development of virtual reality
(VR) technology, virtual simulations have been explored as an aid in
neurosurgical training [50]. These simulations can be non-immersive, where participants
remain as observers in a simulated learning scenario, and immersive, where
participants take a direct interaction in a three-dimensional environment with
haptic feedback in a simulated scenario [51]. These immersive VRs can range in
their graphical and tactile responsiveness and can simulate a wide variety of
scenarios that may not be feasible in cadaveric models. Simulators such as
vascular intervention simulation trainer (VIST) and ANGIO mentor have been
noted as effective simulators for endovascular neurosurgical procedures and
scenario [45]. Although these simulators can replicate intraoperative scenarios
with such a high accuracy and realism, their cost can be excessive and as a
result they have not been widely accepted in neuralgically residency training
[51]. As the technology becomes more affordable and as more studies are
conducted to assess their effectiveness, VR simulations may become mainstay
tool in neurosurgical training in the future to provide residents a low stress
environment in which they can develop skills to manage high stake scenarios
more effectively [50,51].
Future models of
neurosurgical simulation are primarily centered on the developing technologies
of 3-dimensional (3-D) printing and virtual reality (VR) simulation [52-54]. As
simulation-based training becomes more integrated into neurosurgical education,
the cost of each simulation becomes a potential limitation [52]. Cadaveric
models have multiple cost-based limitations, including availability, tissue
preservation, and biohazard safety; however, 3-D printed simulations offer
solutions to these problems, while still offering high-fidelity simulation
[54]. 2016 study looked at the use of 3-D printing to create personalized
models of the brain in 24 hours for a cost basis of $50 [55]. A separate study
looked at streamlining the 3-D printing process of the brain and skull to
create models a cost basis of $1-5 in fewer than 14 hours [56]. Furthermore,
3-D printed models do not require biohazard considerations and some 3-D printed
models have the additional cost-related advantages of being reusable and
portable [57]. Although VR simulations may be high-fidelity and offer solutions
to availability, they are expensive, due to the inherent complexity of the
computer hardware and software required [53]. In a 2013 survey of 99
neurosurgery program directors, only 30% were willing to spend more than
$10,000 on procurement of simulation technology for resident education;
therefore, price may be a continual barrier to the implementation of VR
simulation models. Until the software and hardware necessary for VR technology
becomes a lower barrier to entry, its use in surgical residency education may
be limited [58].
3-D printed models may
also be constructed from 2-D images, such as CTs or MRIs [55]. This technology
constructs models based directly on patient anatomy, including any pathology;
something that is lacking in many cadaveric models [55]. The potential
pathology that may be incorporated into the models is broad and includes AVMs,
tumors, and hydrocephalus [59,60]. These models enable improved understanding
of operative anatomy and an opportunity for neurosurgical residents to rehearse
the case [54,55]. Although these models offer potential, they are currently
limited by 3-D printing technology because printing soft structures, like the
brain, is particularly difficult [61,62]. This is because soft structures
deform significantly under their own weight during the printing process [55].
Though materials like silicone or flexible polyurethane have been used, they
did not achieve the same mechanical properties as soft, biological tissue, like
the brain.62 Potential future materials to create a more realistic model design
may be hydrogels [62]. VR is not limited by material design, and, therefore,
allows the creation of elaborate models.
In addition, future VR models may include tactile feedback in addition
to visual feedback [63,64].
Surgical simulation
trainings have been widely accepted as an effective teaching method in the
recent decades [43,65,66]. Neurosurgical simulation training seems to be a
beneficial tool for teaching and reinforcing technical skills, allowing for
effective evaluation of resident performances in a risk-free setting of an
otherwise highly stressful real-life scenario [43,65-67]. There has also been a
favourable surge in adopting patient-specific virtual and 3D printed models in
concert with cadaveric simulations to supplement residency surgical learning in
hopes of improving efficiency and overall competency [64,65,68-70]. Carotid
artery injury is a devastating complication of endoscopic endo-nasal procedure
which can result in a high-panic environment for surgical team leading to
management paralysis especially due to lack of relevant experience and proper
planning [37,38]. Such high-risk emergency scenarios could result in
unfavourable outcomes if not prevented through effective and meaningful
training of residents to develop algorithms for managing difficult scenarios.
As such, crisis management simulations can be a valuable learning tool for the
trainees in learning the optimal technique to control the surgical field by
practicing adequate contingency planning and establishing a lifesaving surgical
plan for the patient.
Simulations have a positive
impact on trainees, of all levels, in terms of improvement of accuracy, and
time to completion of procedural tasks [43,65]. It is also suggested that
real-time tactile feedback, incorporation of personalized improvement
strategies along with structured debriefing can improve learning outcomes and
have potential for improved patient outcomes [42,54,71] However, there is a
need for more validity studies to prove improvement in patient outcomes by
further investigating translational outcomes in the operating theatre to
resolve the concern of simulation-to-reality disconnect.
The future of simulation
holds a lot of potential given the rapidly evolving simulation technological
revolution [43,65,66,71]. The focus is towards gathering evidence and
implementing training strategies geared towards making these training
experiences more engaging and representative of real surgery through using a
combination of cadaveric, VR and 3D models [42,66,72]. In particular, there is
an increasing interest in developing and implementing reusable, cost-effective
and patient-specific models to increase familiarity with the complete operative
experience including surgical instrument handling, developing proper
coordinative technical skills, and for developing skills necessary to control
surgical field during crisis and operational complications [37,38,42,73,74].
With cutting-edge advances in the 3D technology, it is now becoming more
accepted to employ patient-specific customized simulators for neurosurgery
which have the potential to improve surgical results by providing opportunities
for identifying surgical crucial points and practicing best strategies for
managing and minimizing complications [35,75-78]. Moreover, pairing 3D
simulation with virtual simulations can optimize the pre-operative educational
experience by providing anatomically accurate model for systematic
understanding of spatial relationships between vital structures and surgical
targets [35,79]. As a consequence of current shift towards digital technologies
capable of providing haptic feedback with improved photorealistic fidelity, it
seems that adaptation of these simulation learning experiences will greatly
benefit and aid the learning curves for residents undergoing operative
neurosurgical training while also providing numerous prospective standpoints to
progress the field through improved pre-operative planning, training and
education, developing tissue-engineered implants and innovative surgical
devices.