Creating a Practice Model Using Actual Surgical Instruments and Training for Cerebrovascular Surgery: From Setup to Performing the Microscopic Technique

Abstract

With the development of interventional radiology and radiosurgery, the number of open surgery cases has decreased. Young neurosurgeons need to gain experience with fewer cases, so effective off-the-job training is important. We created a practice model for setting up the head fixation and retractor systems and for microscopic training. In addition, as the equipment can be placed in the medical office, easy access for practice anytime is possible. Our training method includes fixing the skull model to the Mayfield^® frame for each approach, setting the Budde^® halo ring, setting up the retractor, using the scissors, performing the blading technique, performing deep anastomosis, and so on. With continuous practice in an environment simulating various surgical fields, young neurosurgeons can eventually perform anterior circulation clipping and superficial temporal artery-to-middle cerebral artery bypass for arteriosclerotic disease and moyamoya disease. We believe that our training method is useful especially for young neurosurgeons aiming to establish steady skills for performing microsurgical techniques.