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Andersen AG, Riparbelli AC, Siebner HR, Konge L, Bjerrum F. Using neuroimaging to assess brain activity and areas associated with surgical skills: a systematic review. Surg Endosc 2024; 38:3004-3026. [PMID: 38653901 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-024-10830-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgical skills acquisition is under continuous development due to the emergence of new technologies, and there is a need for assessment tools to develop along with these. A range of neuroimaging modalities has been used to map the functional activation of brain networks while surgeons acquire novel surgical skills. These have been proposed as a method to provide a deeper understanding of surgical expertise and offer new possibilities for the personalized training of future surgeons. With studies differing in modalities, outcomes, and surgical skills there is a need for a systematic review of the evidence. This systematic review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the topic and evaluate the potential use of neuroimaging in surgical education. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of neuroimaging studies that mapped functional brain activation while surgeons with different levels of expertise learned and performed technical and non-technical surgical tasks. We included all studies published before July 1st, 2023, in MEDLINE, EMBASE and WEB OF SCIENCE. RESULTS 38 task-based brain mapping studies were identified, consisting of randomized controlled trials, case-control studies, and observational cohort or cross-sectional studies. The studies employed a wide range of brain mapping modalities, including electroencephalography, functional magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and functional near-infrared spectroscopy, activating brain areas involved in the execution and sensorimotor or cognitive control of surgical skills, especially the prefrontal cortex, supplementary motor area, and primary motor area, showing significant changes between novices and experts. CONCLUSION Functional neuroimaging can reveal how task-related brain activity reflects technical and non-technical surgical skills. The existing body of work highlights the potential of neuroimaging to link task-related brain activity patterns with the individual level of competency or improvement in performance after training surgical skills. More research is needed to establish its validity and usefulness as an assessment tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarita Ghosh Andersen
- Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation (CAMES), Center for Human Resources and Education, The Capital Region of Denmark, Ryesgade 53B, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Agnes Cordelia Riparbelli
- Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation (CAMES), Center for Human Resources and Education, The Capital Region of Denmark, Ryesgade 53B, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hartwig Roman Siebner
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Konge
- Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation (CAMES), Center for Human Resources and Education, The Capital Region of Denmark, Ryesgade 53B, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Flemming Bjerrum
- Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation (CAMES), Center for Human Resources and Education, The Capital Region of Denmark, Ryesgade 53B, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Gastrounit, Surgical Section, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
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Gazit N, Ben-Gal G, Eliashar R. Development and validation of an objective virtual reality tool for assessing technical aptitude among potential candidates for surgical training. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2024; 24:286. [PMID: 38486166 PMCID: PMC10941473 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05228-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Good technical skills are crucial for surgeons. Yet although surgical training programs strive to assess technical aptitude when selecting surgical residents, valid assessments of such aptitude are still lacking. Surgical simulators have been proposed as a potentially effective tool for this purpose. The current study aims to develop a technical aptitude test using a virtual reality surgical simulator, and to validate its use for the selection of surgical residents. METHODS The study had three phases. In Phase 1, we developed an initial version of the technical aptitude test using the Lap-X-VR laparoscopic simulator. In Phases 2 and 3 we refined the test and collected empirical data to evaluate four main sources of validity evidence (content, response process, internal structure, and relationships with other variables), and to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the test. Specifically, Phase 2 comprised a review of the test by 30 senior surgeons, and in Phase 3 a revised version of the test was administered to 152 interns to determine its psychometric properties. RESULTS Both the surgeons and interns rated the test as highly relevant for selecting surgical residents. Analyses of the data obtained from the trial administration of the test supported the appropriateness of the score calculation process and showed good psychometric properties, including reliability (α = 0.83) and task discrimination (mean discrimination = 0.5, SD = 0.1). The correlations between test scores and background variables revealed significant correlations with gender, surgical simulator experience, and video game experience (ps < 0.001). These variables, however, explained together only 10% of the variance in test scores. CONCLUSIONS We describe the systematic development of an innovative virtual reality test for assessing technical aptitude in candidates for surgical training, and present evidence for its validity, feasibility and acceptability. Further validation is required to support the application of the test for selection, as well as to discern the impact of gender, surgical simulator experience, and video game experience on the fairness of test results. However, the test appears to be a promising tool that may help training programs assess the suitability of candidates for surgical training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa Gazit
- Department of Prosthodontics, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
- Department of Otolaryngology/HNS, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Gilad Ben-Gal
- Department of Prosthodontics, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ron Eliashar
- Department of Otolaryngology/HNS, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Shafiei SB, Shadpour S, Sasangohar F, Mohler JL, Attwood K, Jing Z. Development of performance and learning rate evaluation models in robot-assisted surgery using electroencephalography and eye-tracking. NPJ SCIENCE OF LEARNING 2024; 9:3. [PMID: 38242909 PMCID: PMC10799032 DOI: 10.1038/s41539-024-00216-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
The existing performance evaluation methods in robot-assisted surgery (RAS) are mainly subjective, costly, and affected by shortcomings such as the inconsistency of results and dependency on the raters' opinions. The aim of this study was to develop models for an objective evaluation of performance and rate of learning RAS skills while practicing surgical simulator tasks. The electroencephalogram (EEG) and eye-tracking data were recorded from 26 subjects while performing Tubes, Suture Sponge, and Dots and Needles tasks. Performance scores were generated by the simulator program. The functional brain networks were extracted using EEG data and coherence analysis. Then these networks, along with community detection analysis, facilitated the extraction of average search information and average temporal flexibility features at 21 Brodmann areas (BA) and four band frequencies. Twelve eye-tracking features were extracted and used to develop linear random intercept models for performance evaluation and multivariate linear regression models for the evaluation of the learning rate. Results showed that subject-wise standardization of features improved the R2 of the models. Average pupil diameter and rate of saccade were associated with performance in the Tubes task (multivariate analysis; p-value = 0.01 and p-value = 0.04, respectively). Entropy of pupil diameter was associated with performance in Dots and Needles task (multivariate analysis; p-value = 0.01). Average temporal flexibility and search information in several BAs and band frequencies were associated with performance and rate of learning. The models may be used to objectify performance and learning rate evaluation in RAS once validated with a broader sample size and tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh B Shafiei
- Intelligent Cancer Care Laboratory, Department of Urology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA.
| | - Saeed Shadpour
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Farzan Sasangohar
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - James L Mohler
- Department of Urology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Kristopher Attwood
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Zhe Jing
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
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Toy S, Huh DD, Materi J, Nanavati J, Schwengel DA. Use of neuroimaging to measure neurocognitive engagement in health professions education: a scoping review. MEDICAL EDUCATION ONLINE 2022; 27:2016357. [PMID: 35012424 PMCID: PMC8757598 DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2021.2016357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To map the current literature on functional neuroimaging use in medical education research as a novel measurement modality for neurocognitive engagement, learning, and expertise development. METHOD We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, ERIC, and Web of Science, and hand-searched reference lists of relevant articles on April 4, 2019, and updated the search on July 7, 2020. Two authors screened the abstracts and then full-text articles for eligibility based on inclusion criteria. The data were then charted, synthesized, and analyzed descriptively. RESULTS Sixty-seven articles published between 2007 and 2020 were included in this scoping review. These studies used three main neuroimaging modalities: functional magnetic resonance imaging, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, and electroencephalography. Most of the publications (90%, n = 60) were from the last 10 years (2011-2020). Although these studies were conducted in 16 countries, 68.7% (n = 46) were from three countries: the USA (n = 21), UK (n = 15), and Canada (n = 10). These studies were mainly non-experimental (74.6%, n = 50). Most used neuroimaging techniques to examine psychomotor skill development (57%, n = 38), but several investigated neurocognitive correlates of clinical reasoning skills (22%, n = 15). CONCLUSION This scoping review maps the available literature on functional neuroimaging use in medical education. Despite the heterogeneity in research questions, study designs, and outcome measures, we identified a few common themes. Included studies are encouraging of the potential for neuroimaging to complement commonly used measures in education research and may help validate/challenge established theoretical assumptions and provide insight into training methods. This review highlighted several areas for further research. The use of these emerging technologies appears ripe for developing precision education, establishing viable study protocols for realistic operational settings, examining team dynamics, and exploring applications for real-time monitoring/intervention during critical clinical tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serkan Toy
- Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Dana D Huh
- The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Joshua Materi
- The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Julie Nanavati
- Welch Medical Library, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Deborah A. Schwengel
- Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Walia P, Fu Y, Schwaitzberg SD, Intes X, De S, Dutta A, Cavuoto L. Portable neuroimaging differentiates novices from those with experience for the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) suturing with intracorporeal knot tying task. Surg Endosc 2022:10.1007/s00464-022-09727-4. [DOI: 10.1007/s00464-022-09727-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Patel R, Ashcroft J, Darzi A, Singh H, Leff DR. Neuroenhancement in surgeons: benefits, risks and ethical dilemmas. Br J Surg 2020; 107:946-950. [DOI: 10.1002/bjs.11601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Surgeons traditionally aim to reduce mistakes in healthcare through repeated training and advancement of surgical technology. Recently, performance-enhancing interventions such as neurostimulation are emerging which may offset errors in surgical practice.
Methods
Use of transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS), a novel neuroenhancement technique that has been applied to surgeons to improve surgical technical performance, was reviewed. Evidence supporting tDCS improvements in motor and cognitive performance outside of the field of surgery was assessed and correlated with emerging research investigating tDCS in the surgical setting and potential applications to wider aspects of healthcare. Ethical considerations and future implications of using tDCS in surgical training and perioperatively are also discussed.
Results
Outside of surgery, tDCS studies demonstrate improved motor performance with regards to reaction time, task completion, strength and fatigue, while also suggesting enhanced cognitive function through multitasking, vigilance and attention assessments. In surgery, current research has demonstrated improved performance in open knot-tying, laparoscopic and robotic skills while also offsetting subjective temporal demands. However, a number of ethical issues arise from the potential application of tDCS in surgery in the form of safety, coercion, distributive justice and fairness, all of which must be considered prior to implementation.
Conclusion
Neuroenhancement may improve motor and cognitive skills in healthcare professions with impact on patient safety. Implementation will require accurate protocols and regulations to balance benefits with the associated ethical dilemmas, and to direct safe use for clinicians and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Patel
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital Campus, 10th Floor, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Building, Praed Street, London W2 1NY, UK
| | - J Ashcroft
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital Campus, 10th Floor, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Building, Praed Street, London W2 1NY, UK
| | - A Darzi
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital Campus, 10th Floor, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Building, Praed Street, London W2 1NY, UK
| | - H Singh
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital Campus, 10th Floor, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Building, Praed Street, London W2 1NY, UK
| | - D R Leff
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital Campus, 10th Floor, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Building, Praed Street, London W2 1NY, UK
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Karabanov AN, Irmen F, Madsen KH, Haagensen BN, Schulze S, Bisgaard T, Siebner HR. Getting to grips with endoscopy - Learning endoscopic surgical skills induces bi-hemispheric plasticity of the grasping network. Neuroimage 2018; 189:32-44. [PMID: 30583066 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2018.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Endoscopic surgery requires skilled bimanual use of complex instruments that extend the peri-personal workspace. To delineate brain structures involved in learning such surgical skills, 48 medical students without surgical experience were randomly assigned to five training sessions on a virtual-reality endoscopy simulator or to a non-training group. Brain activity was probed with functional MRI while participants performed endoscopic tasks. Repeated task performance in the scanner was sufficient to enhance task-related activity in left ventral premotor cortex (PMv) and the anterior Intraparietal Sulcus (aIPS). Simulator training induced additional increases in task-related activation in right PMv and aIPS and reduced effective connectivity from left to right PMv. Skill improvement after training scaled with stronger task-related activation of the lateral left primary motor hand area (M1-HAND). The results suggest that a bilateral fronto-parietal grasping network and left M1-HAND are engaged in bimanual learning of tool-based manipulations in an extended peri-personal space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Ninija Karabanov
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Denmark, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark.
| | - Friederike Irmen
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Denmark, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark; Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristoffer Hougaard Madsen
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Denmark, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark; Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Brian Numelin Haagensen
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Denmark, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Svend Schulze
- Gastrounit Surgical Division, Centre for Surgical Research (CSR), Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Thue Bisgaard
- Gastrounit Surgical Division, Centre for Surgical Research (CSR), Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Hartwig Roman Siebner
- Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark; Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Modi HN, Singh H, Yang GZ, Darzi A, Leff DR. A decade of imaging surgeons' brain function (part II): A systematic review of applications for technical and nontechnical skills assessment. Surgery 2017; 162:1130-1139. [PMID: 29079277 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional neuroimaging technologies enable assessment of operator brain function and can deepen our understanding of skills learning, ergonomic optima, and cognitive processes in surgeons. Although there has been a critical mass of data detailing surgeons' brain function, this literature has not been reviewed systematically. METHODS A systematic search of original neuroimaging studies assessing surgeons' brain function and published up until November 2016 was conducted using Medline, Embase, and PsycINFO databases. RESULTS Twenty-seven studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, including 3 feasibility studies, 14 studies exploring the neural correlates of technical skill acquisition, and the remainder investigating brain function in the context of intraoperative decision-making (n = 1), neurofeedback training (n = 1), robot-assisted technology (n = 5), and surgical teaching (n = 3). Early stages of learning open surgical tasks (knot-tying) are characterized by prefrontal cortical activation, which subsequently attenuates with deliberate practice. However, with complex laparoscopic skills (intracorporeal suturing), prefrontal cortical engagement requires substantial training, and attenuation occurs over a longer time course, after years of refinement. Neurofeedback and interventions that improve neural efficiency may enhance technical performance and skills learning. CONCLUSION Imaging surgeons' brain function has identified neural signatures of expertise that might help inform objective assessment and selection processes. Interventions that improve neural efficiency may target skill-specific brain regions and augment surgical performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemel Narendra Modi
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Harsimrat Singh
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Guang-Zhong Yang
- Hamlyn Centre for Robotic Surgery, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ara Darzi
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Hamlyn Centre for Robotic Surgery, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Richard Leff
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Hamlyn Centre for Robotic Surgery, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Acquisition, retention and transfer of simulated laparoscopic tasks using fNIR and a contextual interference paradigm. Am J Surg 2017; 213:336-345. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2016.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Andreu-Perez J, Leff DR, Shetty K, Darzi A, Yang GZ. Disparity in Frontal Lobe Connectivity on a Complex Bimanual Motor Task Aids in Classification of Operator Skill Level. Brain Connect 2016; 6:375-88. [PMID: 26899241 DOI: 10.1089/brain.2015.0350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective metrics of technical performance (e.g., dexterity, time, and path length) are insufficient to fully characterize operator skill level, which may be encoded deep within neural function. Unlike reports that capture plasticity across days or weeks, this articles studies long-term plasticity in functional connectivity that occurs over years of professional task practice. Optical neuroimaging data are acquired from professional surgeons of varying experience on a complex bimanual coordination task with the aim of investigating learning-related disparity in frontal lobe functional connectivity that arises as a consequence of motor skill level. The results suggest that prefrontal and premotor seed connectivity is more critical during naïve versus expert performance. Given learning-related differences in connectivity, a least-squares support vector machine with a radial basis function kernel is employed to evaluate skill level using connectivity data. The results demonstrate discrimination of operator skill level with accuracy ≥0.82 and Multiclass Matthew's Correlation Coefficient ≥0.70. Furthermore, these indices are improved when local (i.e., within-region) rather than inter-regional (i.e., between-region) frontal connectivity is considered (p = 0.002). The results suggest that it is possible to classify operator skill level with good accuracy from functional connectivity data, upon which objective assessment and neurofeedback may be used to improve operator performance during technical skill training.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kunal Shetty
- 1 The Hamlyn Centre Imperial College London , London, United Kingdom
| | - Ara Darzi
- 1 The Hamlyn Centre Imperial College London , London, United Kingdom
| | - Guang-Zhong Yang
- 1 The Hamlyn Centre Imperial College London , London, United Kingdom
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11
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Leff DR, James DRC, Orihuela-Espina F, Kwok KW, Sun LW, Mylonas G, Athanasiou T, Darzi AW, Yang GZ. The impact of expert visual guidance on trainee visual search strategy, visual attention and motor skills. Front Hum Neurosci 2015; 9:526. [PMID: 26528160 PMCID: PMC4604246 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2015.00526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Minimally invasive and robotic surgery changes the capacity for surgical mentors to guide their trainees with the control customary to open surgery. This neuroergonomic study aims to assess a "Collaborative Gaze Channel" (CGC); which detects trainer gaze-behavior and displays the point of regard to the trainee. A randomized crossover study was conducted in which twenty subjects performed a simulated robotic surgical task necessitating collaboration either with verbal (control condition) or visual guidance with CGC (study condition). Trainee occipito-parietal (O-P) cortical function was assessed with optical topography (OT) and gaze-behavior was evaluated using video-oculography. Performance during gaze-assistance was significantly superior [biopsy number: (mean ± SD): control = 5.6 ± 1.8 vs. CGC = 6.6 ± 2.0; p < 0.05] and was associated with significantly lower O-P cortical activity [ΔHbO2 mMol × cm [median (IQR)] control = 2.5 (12.0) vs. CGC 0.63 (11.2), p < 0.001]. A random effect model (REM) confirmed the association between guidance mode and O-P excitation. Network cost and global efficiency were not significantly influenced by guidance mode. A gaze channel enhances performance, modulates visual search, and alleviates the burden in brain centers subserving visual attention and does not induce changes in the trainee's O-P functional network observable with the current OT technique. The results imply that through visual guidance, attentional resources may be liberated, potentially improving the capability of trainees to attend to other safety critical events during the procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Leff
- Hamlyn Centre for Robotic Surgery, Imperial College London London, UK
| | - David R C James
- Hamlyn Centre for Robotic Surgery, Imperial College London London, UK
| | - Felipe Orihuela-Espina
- Hamlyn Centre for Robotic Surgery, Imperial College London London, UK ; National Institute for Astrophysics, Optics and Electronics (INAOE) Tonantzintla, Mexico
| | - Ka-Wai Kwok
- Hamlyn Centre for Robotic Surgery, Imperial College London London, UK
| | - Loi Wah Sun
- Hamlyn Centre for Robotic Surgery, Imperial College London London, UK
| | - George Mylonas
- Hamlyn Centre for Robotic Surgery, Imperial College London London, UK
| | - Thanos Athanasiou
- Hamlyn Centre for Robotic Surgery, Imperial College London London, UK
| | - Ara W Darzi
- Hamlyn Centre for Robotic Surgery, Imperial College London London, UK
| | - Guang-Zhong Yang
- Hamlyn Centre for Robotic Surgery, Imperial College London London, UK
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12
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The role of the posterior parietal cortex in stereopsis and hand-eye coordination during motor task behaviours. Cogn Process 2014; 16:177-90. [PMID: 25394882 DOI: 10.1007/s10339-014-0641-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The field of 'Neuroergonomics' has the potential to improve safety in high-risk operative environments through a better appreciation of the way in which the brain responds during human-tool interactions. This is especially relevant to minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Amongst the many challenges imposed on the surgeon by traditional MIS (laparoscopy), arguably the greatest is the loss of depth perception. Robotic MIS platforms, on the other hand, provide the surgeon with a magnified three-dimensional view of the environment, and as a result may offload a degree of the cognitive burden. The posterior parietal cortex (PPC) plays an integral role in human depth perception. Therefore, it can be hypothesized that differences in PPC activation between monoscopic and stereoscopic vision may be observed. In order to investigate this hypothesis, the current study explores disparities in PPC responses between monoscopic and stereoscopic visual perception to better de-couple the burden imposed by laparoscopy and robotic surgery on the operator's brain. Fourteen participants conducted tasks of depth perception and hand-eye coordination under both monoscopic and stereoscopic visual feedback. Cortical haemodynamic responses were monitored throughout using optical functional neuroimaging. Overall, recruitment of the bilateral superior parietal lobule was observed during both depth perception and hand-eye coordination tasks. This occurred contrary to our hypothesis, regardless of the mode of visual feedback. Operator technical performance was significantly different in two- and three-dimensional visual displays. These differences in technical performance do not appear to be explained by significant differences in parietal lobe processing.
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Bech B, Lönn L, Schroeder TV, Ringsted C. Fine-motor skills testing and prediction of endovascular performance. Acta Radiol 2013; 54:1165-74. [PMID: 23803752 DOI: 10.1177/0284185113491088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Performing endovascular procedures requires good control of fine-motor digital movements and hand-eye coordination. Objective assessment of such skills is difficult. Trainees acquire control of catheter/wire movements at various paces. However, little is known to what extent talent plays for novice candidates at entry to practice. PURPOSE To study the association between performance in a novel aptitude test of fine-motor skills and performance in simulated procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS The test was based on manual course-tracking using a proprietary hand-operated roller-bar device coupled to a personal computer with monitor view rotation. A total of 40 test repetitions were conducted separately with each hand. Test scores were correlated with simulator performance. Group A (n = 14), clinicians with various levels of endovascular experience, performed a simulated procedure of contralateral iliac artery stenting. Group B (n = 19), medical students, performed 10 repetitions of crossing a challenging aortic bifurcation in a simulator. RESULTS The test score differed markedly between the individuals in both groups, in particular with the non-dominant hand. Group A: the test score with the non-dominant hand correlated significantly with simulator performance assessed with the global rating scale SAVE (R = -0.69, P = 0.007). There was no association observed from performances with the dominant hand. Group B: there was no significant association between the test score and endovascular skills acquisition neither with the dominant nor with the non-dominant hand. CONCLUSION Clinicians with increasing levels of endovascular technical experience had developed good fine-motor control of the non-dominant hand, in particular, that was associated with good procedural performance in the simulator. The aptitude test did not predict endovascular skills acquisition among medical students, thus, cannot be suggested for selection of novice candidates. Procedural experience and practice probably supplant the influence of innate abilities (talent) over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Bech
- Centre for Clinical Education, University of Copenhagen and Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Rigshospitalet and University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Lönn
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Rigshospitalet and University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Radiology, Rigshospitalet and University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Torben V Schroeder
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Rigshospitalet and University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Ringsted
- Centre for Clinical Education, University of Copenhagen and Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark
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Abstract
The Mozart Effect is a phenomenon whereby certain pieces of music induce temporary enhancement in "spatial temporal reasoning." To determine whether the Mozart Effect can improve surgical performance, 55 male volunteers (mean age = 20.6 years, range = 16-27), novice to surgery, were timed as they completed an activity course on a laparoscopic simulator. Subjects were then randomized for exposure to 1 of 2 musical pieces by Mozart (n = 21) and Dream Theater (n = 19), after which they repeated the course. Following a 15-minute exposure to a nonmusical piece, subjects were exposed to one of the pieces and performed the activity course a third time. An additional group (n = 15) that was not corandomized performed the tasks without any exposure to music. The percent improvements in completion time between 3 successive trials were calculated for each subject and group means compared. In 2 of the tasks, subjects exposed to the Dream Theater piece achieved approximately 30% more improvement (26.7 ± 8.3%) than those exposed to the Mozart piece (20.2 ± 7.8%, P = .021) or to no music (20.4 ± 9.1%, P = .049). Distinct patterns of covariance between baseline performance and subsequent improvement were observed for the different musical conditions and tasks. The data confirm the existence of a Mozart Effect and demonstrate for the first time its practical applicability. Prior exposure to certain pieces may enhance performance in practical skills requiring spatial temporal reasoning.
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15
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Zhu FF, Poolton JM, Wilson MR, Hu Y, Maxwell JP, Masters RSW. Implicit motor learning promotes neural efficiency during laparoscopy. Surg Endosc 2011; 25:2950-5. [PMID: 21455805 PMCID: PMC3160550 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-011-1647-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2010] [Accepted: 02/06/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An understanding of differences in expert and novice neural behavior can inform surgical skills training. Outside the surgical domain, electroencephalographic (EEG) coherence analyses have shown that during motor performance, experts display less coactivation between the verbal-analytic and motor planning regions than their less skilled counterparts. Reduced involvement of verbal-analytic processes suggests greater neural efficiency. The authors tested the utility of an implicit motor learning intervention specifically devised to promote neural efficiency by reducing verbal-analytic involvement in laparoscopic performance. METHODS In this study, 18 novices practiced a movement pattern on a laparoscopic trainer with either conscious awareness of the movement pattern (explicit motor learning) or suppressed awareness of the movement pattern (implicit motor learning). In a retention test, movement accuracy was compared between the conditions, and coactivation (EEG coherence) was assessed between the motor planning (Fz) region and both the verbal-analytic (T3) and the visuospatial (T4) cortical regions (T3-Fz and T4-Fz, respectively). RESULTS Movement accuracy in the conditions was not different in a retention test (P = 0.231). Findings showed that the EEG coherence scores for the T3-Fz regions were lower for the implicit learners than for the explicit learners (P = 0.027), but no differences were apparent for the T4-Fz regions (P = 0.882). CONCLUSIONS Implicit motor learning reduced EEG coactivation between verbal-analytic and motor planning regions, suggesting that verbal-analytic processes were less involved in laparoscopic performance. The findings imply that training techniques that discourage nonessential coactivation during motor performance may provide surgeons with more neural resources with which to manage other aspects of surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank F. Zhu
- Institute of Human Performance, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jamie M. Poolton
- Institute of Human Performance, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mark R. Wilson
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Yong Hu
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jon P. Maxwell
- Institute of Human Performance, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rich S. W. Masters
- Institute of Human Performance, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
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16
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Bahrami P, Schweizer TA, Tam F, Grantcharov TP, Cusimano MD, Graham SJ. Functional MRI-compatible laparoscopic surgery training simulator. Magn Reson Med 2010; 65:873-81. [DOI: 10.1002/mrm.22664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2010] [Revised: 08/03/2010] [Accepted: 09/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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17
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Schaverien MV. Development of expertise in surgical training. JOURNAL OF SURGICAL EDUCATION 2010; 67:37-43. [PMID: 20421089 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2009.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2009] [Revised: 10/25/2009] [Accepted: 11/12/2009] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Surgical training is currently undergoing many changes. Moves toward an outcomes-based education based on achievement of core competencies will have a significant impact on how trainees are taught and evaluated. New strategies must therefore be sought to enhance surgical training to achieve outstanding resident education and safe patient care. An extensive body of literature is available concerning the attributes of experts and the development of expertise. It is increasingly apparent that the extent and nature of practice, as well as the practice structure, are critical to the development of complex motor skills. This article reviews the attributes of expert surgeons, as well as the role of deliberate practice, contextual interference, and distributed practice in the development of expertise. The role of simulation in surgical training is also discussed. The findings have direct relevance to surgical training and continuing medical educational courses, and these results may help in the design of future surgical training programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark V Schaverien
- Department of Plastic Surgery, St. John's Hospital, Livingston, United Kingdom.
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18
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Leff DR, James DRC, Orihuela-Espina F, Yang GZ, Darzi AW. The frontal cortex is activated during learning of endoscopic procedures (Ohuchida et al., Surgical Endoscopy, January 2009). Surg Endosc 2009; 24:968-9. [PMID: 19795171 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-009-0704-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2009] [Accepted: 09/01/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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19
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Leff DR, Leong JJH, Warren O, Athanasiou T, Yang GZ, Darzi A. Near-infrared spectroscopy: potential clinical benefits in surgery. J Am Coll Surg 2008; 206:761-2. [PMID: 18387486 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2007.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2007] [Accepted: 12/26/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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