Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop a high-fidelity minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) simulator.
Methods: The process of industrial serial design was applied based on pre-set requirements, acquired by interviewing experienced mitral surgeons. A thoracic torso with endoscopic and robotic access and disposable silicone mitral valve apparatus with a feedback system was developed. The feedback system was based on 4 cameras around the silicone valve and an edge detection algorithm to calculate suture depth and width. Validity of simulator measurements was assessed by comparing simulator-generated values with measurements done manually on 3dimensional reconstructed micro-computed tomography scan of the same sutures. Independent surgeons tested the simulator between 2014 and 2018, whereupon an evaluation was done through a questionnaire.
Results: The feedback system was able to provide width and depth measurements, which were subsequently scored by comparison to pre-set target values. Depth did not significantly differ between simulator and micro-computed tomography scan measurements (P =.139). Width differed significantly (P =.001), whereupon a significant regression equation was found (P
Conclusions: We successfully developed a high-fidelity MIMVS simulator for endoscopic and robotic approaches. The simulator provides a platform to train skills in an objective and reproducible manner. Future studies are needed to provide evidence for its application in training surgeons.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1567-1574 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery |
| Volume | 157 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Apr 2019 |
Keywords
- minimally invasive mitral valve surgery
- high-fidelity
- simulator
- endoscopic
- robotic
- SKILLS TRANSFER
- TRAINER
- REPAIR