Stone NN, Wilson MP, Griffith SH, Immerzeel J, Debruyne F, Gorin MA, Brisbane W, Orio PF, Kim LS, Stone JJ. Remote surgical education using synthetic models combined with an augmented reality headset.
Surg Open Sci 2022;
10:27-33. [PMID:
35866070 PMCID:
PMC9294657 DOI:
10.1016/j.sopen.2022.06.004]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective
The objective was to investigate the use of an augmented reality headset to remotely train clinicians on medical devices using anatomic models.
Design
Disease-specific phantoms were developed to train physicians in mpMRI-guided fusion prostate biopsy, brachytherapy, and rectal spacer insertion. Training was remotely demonstrated using 1-way virtual video conferencing format. Participants responded to an educational content survey. A heads-up display with software and augmented reality was used for remote 2-way training with the proctor and student using on their own phantoms.
Setting
The virtual video meeting took place during a prostate cancer conference in 2020, while the augmented reality training occurred in 2021. The proctor and student wore a heads-up display containing a projector and webcam where the ultrasound image was displayed onto a see-through optic along with the physician's hands. The heads-up display allowed the proctor to teach by line-of-sight while the student watched and repeated the steps.
Participants
Faculty with expertise with the medical devices used in these procedures provided training to urologists unfamiliar with these techniques.
Results
Participants responded that the 1-way training on the phantoms was realistic and mimicked human tissue. A total of 70.9% requested more training or training on the phantoms. The remote training platform was successfully beta tested at the 2 locations in transperineal prostate biopsy and rectal spacer insertion.
Conclusion
Remote training using augmented reality eliminates the need for travel. For training programs and workshops, this technology may mitigate the risk of infectious exposures, reduce training cost, and increase proctor availability, allowing training from their own institution or clinic.
This investigation qualifies for the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education competency in medical knowledge.
Disease and medical device specific simulation phantoms improve surgeons' skills.
Hands-on training using phantoms can be accomplished with both instructor and student at different locations.
A dedicated headset containing display optics and a webcam allows “line-of sight” instruction.
Broadcasting of proctor to student and student to proctor content is optimized with specialized telecasting software which organizes the video feeds vertically.
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