Neuro-Endo-Trainer-Online Assessment System (NET-OAS) for Neuro-Endoscopic Skills Training

TL;DR

This paper introduces NET-OAS, an online assessment system for neuro-endoscopic skills training, which provides real-time feedback and improves novice surgeons' technical abilities in a minimally invasive neurosurgery context.

Contribution

The study develops and validates a stand-alone, online neuro-endoscopy training system with real-time evaluation, enhancing skill acquisition over existing offline methods.

Findings

Participants showed improved handling of neuro-endoscopes.

Real-time feedback facilitated faster skill acquisition.

System demonstrated effectiveness in novice training.

Abstract

Neuro-endoscopy is a challenging minimally invasive neurosurgery that requires surgical skills to be acquired using training methods different from the existing apprenticeship model. There are various training systems developed for imparting fundamental technical skills in laparoscopy where as limited systems for neuro-endoscopy. Neuro-Endo-Trainer was a box-trainer developed for endo-nasal transsphenoidal surgical skills training with video based offline evaluation system. The objective of the current study was to develop a modified version (Neuro-Endo-Trainer-Online Assessment System (NET-OAS)) by providing a stand-alone system with online evaluation and real-time feedback. The validation study on a group of 15 novice participants shows the improvement in the technical skills for handling the neuro-endoscope and the tool while performing pick and place activity.