Skip to main content
Log in

Anatomical pediatric model for craniosynostosis surgical training

  • Invited Paper
  • Published:
Child's Nervous System Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Introduction

Several surgical training simulators have been created to improve the learning curve of residents in neurosurgery and plastic surgery. Laboratory training is fundamental for acquiring familiarity with the techniques of surgery and the skill in handling instruments. The aim of this study is to present a novel simulator for training in the technique of craniosynostectomy, specifically for the scaphocephaly type.

Description of the simulator

This realistic simulator was built with a synthetic thermo-retractile and thermo-sensible rubber which, when combined with different polymers, produces more than 30 different formulas. These formulas present textures, consistencies, and mechanical resistance similar to many human tissues. Fiberglass molds in the shape of the skull constitute the basic structure of the craniosynostectomy training module. It has been possible to perform computerized tomography images due to the radiopacity of this simulator and to compare the pre- and postoperative images.

Results

The authors present a training model to practice the biparietal remodeling used in scaphocephaly correction. All aspects of the procedure are simulated: the skin incision, the subcutaneous and subperiosteal dissection, the osteotomies, and finally, the skull remodeling with absorbable microplates. The presence of superior sagittal sinus can simulate emergency situations with bleeding.

Conclusion

The authors conclude that this training model can represent a fairly useful method to accustom trainees to the required surgical techniques and simulates well the steps of standard surgery for scaphocephaly. This training provides an alternative to the use of human cadavers and animal models. Furthermore, it can represent the anatomical alteration precisely as well as intraoperative emergency situations.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Aboud E, Al-Mefty O, Yaşargil MG (2002) New laboratory model for neurosurgical training that simulates live surgery. J Neurosurg 97:1367–1372

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Chan S, Conti F, Salisbury K, Blevins NH (2013) Virtual reality simulation in neurosurgery: technologies and evolution. Neurosurgery 72(Suppl 1):154–164

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Grist EPM (2005) Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy risk assessment: the UK experience. Risk Anal 25:519–532

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Hicdonmez T, Parsak T, Cobanoglu S (2006) Simulation of surgery for craniosynostosis: a training model in a fresh cadaveric sheep cranium Technical note. J Neurosurg 105(2 Suppl):150–152

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Lehmann KS, Ritz JP, Maass H, Cakmak HK, KuehnapfelUG GCT et al (2005) A prospective randomized study to test the transfer of basic psychomotor skills from virtual reality to physical reality in a comparable training setting. Ann Surg 241:442–449

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Menovsky T (2000) A human skull cast model for training of intracranial microneurosurgical skills. Microsurgery 20:311–313

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Palter VN, Grantcharov T, Harvey A, Macrae HM (2011) Ex vivo technical skills training transfers to the operating room and enhances cognitive learning: a randomized controlled trial. Ann Surg 253:886–889

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Popesko P (1989) Atlas der topographischen Anatomie der Haustiere. Band I: Kopf und Hals. Ferdinand Enke, Stuttgart, Germany, pp. 62–64

  9. Reid JE, Meakin JR, Robins SP, Skakle JMS, Hukins DWL (2002) Sheep lumbar intervertebral discs as models for human discs. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 17:312–314

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Seymour NE, Gallagher AG, Roman SA, O’Brien MK, Bansal VK, Andersen DK, Satava RM (2002) Virtual reality training improves operating room performance: results of a randomized, double-blinded study. Ann Surg 236(4):458–463, discussion 463–4

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Steinbok P, Heran N, Hicdonmez T, Cochrane DD, Price A (2004) Minimizing blood transfusions in the surgical correction of coronal and metopic craniosynostosis. Childs Nerv Syst 20:445–452

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Zymberg S, Vaz-Guimarães Filho F, Lyra M (2010) Neuroendoscopic training: presentation of a new real simulator. Minim Invasive Neurosurg 53(1):44–46. doi:10.1055/s-0029-1246169

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the plastic artists: Jair Lyra, Georgina Barretto, and Josemi Fabricio da Silva for their attendance and notable dedication in developing the simulators, Maíra Coelho R. Caselato and Valéria Aires Cruz for their assistance in preparing the pictures.

Conflict of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest concerning the materials or methods used in this study or the findings specified in this paper.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Giselle Coelho.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Coelho, G., Warf, B., Lyra, M. et al. Anatomical pediatric model for craniosynostosis surgical training. Childs Nerv Syst 30, 2009–2014 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-014-2537-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-014-2537-x

Keywords

Navigation