Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-xbtfd Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-16T12:28:29.015Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Enhancement of a low-fidelity surgical simulator. Is it possible?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 January 2021

L M Evans  and
D Owens
L M Evans*
Affiliation:
ENT Department, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
D Owens
Affiliation:
ENT Department, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
*
Author for correspondence: Dr Louise M Evans, ENT Department, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park Way, CardiffCF14 4XW, UK E-mail: louiseevans_5@hotmail.co.uk
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Background

Simulation training has become a core component in the training of ENT surgeons. It provides the opportunity for the repetitive practice of a surgical technique. Simulators are broadly categorised into low- and high-fidelity simulators. A method using a home microprocessor to enhance a low-fidelity surgical simulator is introduced.

Method

The Yorick tonsil tie trainer was enhanced using an Arduino microcontroller attached to the simulated inferior pole of the tonsil. The Arduino was coded to give a visual stimulus when linear motion exceeded parameters. The prototype simulator was tested to gain information on whether the enhancement could identify differences between novice and expert users.

Conclusion

An enhanced low-fidelity tonsil trainer was produced using a low-cost, simple home microprocessing board. The enhanced simulator gives objective feedback allowing for self-directed learning. Further research is required to evaluate the benefits of these enhancements above non-enhanced simulation training.

Keywords

Simulation TrainingLow FidelityEnhancement Technologies
Type
Short Communications
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 135 , Issue 2 , February 2021 , pp. 179 - 181
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Footnotes

Dr L M Evans takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

References

Al-Hussaini, A, Addams-Williams, J, Tomkinson, A. The Cardiff Cup: a model for tonsillectomy tie training. Otolaryngol 2011;1:102Google Scholar
Wasson, JD, De Zoysa, N, Stephens, J. Tissue-box tonsillar tie trainer. Clin Otolaryngol 2009;34:175–6CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Raja, MK, Haneefa, MA, Chidambaram, A. Yorick's skull model for tonsillectomy tie training. Clin Otolaryngol 2008;33:187–8CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Tooke, J. Aspiring to Excellence: Findings and Recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Modernising Medical Careers. Interim Report. London: MMC Inquiry, 2007Google Scholar
Giles, JA. Surgical training and the European Working Time Directive: the role of informal workplace learning. Int J Surg 2010;8:179–80CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Aggarwal, R, Mytton, OT, Derbrew, M, Hananel, D, Heydenburg, M, Issenberg, B et al. . Training and simulation for patient safety. Qual Saf Health Care 2010;19(suppl 2):i34–43CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Edmond, CV. Impact of the endoscopic sinus surgical simulator on operating room performance. Laryngoscope 2002;112:1148–58CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Swanwick, T. Informal learning in postgraduate medical education: from cognitivism to ‘culturism’. Med Educ 2005;39:859–65CrossRefGoogle Scholar