Simulators and endourological training

Abstract

Acquisition of skills laboratory training seems to be of importance in the training of surgeons, and is intended to cover the gap between theoretical learning and real practice. Economic and ethical reasons limit the use of animals during the learning process, while trends in medical change have severely restricted the available time to teach and to learn. With the incorporation of laparoscopy and the blossoming of minimally invasive techniques, mainly endoscopy, simulators have gained wide acceptance as an important tool in the surgeon's learning process. Two types of simulators are currently available: inanimates or mannequins and virtual reality simulators. A review of the recent literature shows that there is generally a significant improvement in dexterity after using simulators, whichever type is used. It is still unknown whether training simulation influences the patient's outcome positively.

Training in tasks with different visual-spatial components does not improve virtual arthroscopy performance

“…Simulators have gained wide acceptance as valuable tool in the learning process of the surgeon [20]. Virtual reality (VR) surgical simulators have been introduced in medical education as a means of enhancing patient safety [2,27], reducing the escalating costs of surgical training [3], and supplying a new arena for practice [30,34].…”

Development of a computer assisted gantry system for gaining rapid and accurate calyceal access during percutaneous nephrolithotomy

“…Häcker et al described teaching ultrasound-or fluoroscopy guided PC renal access with a porcine kidney "hidden" in a chicken carcass (14). Various virtual reality and inanimate simulators for endourological training have been developed, but none specifically for PC renal access (15). Heyns and Van Gelderen (1990) were the first to propose computed tomography imaging of the pelviocalyceal system with 3-dimensional reconstruction as an aid in selecting the appropriate calyx for PCNL (16).…”

Mass/inertia and joint friction minimization for a low-force five-dof haptic device

“…4 shows a magnification of the axle and bearing including the actuated forces and torques at the base of the 5 -bar mechanism where link 3 is coupled with the corresponding actuator. 1 T is the torque, from the actuator to the link, 03 F is the constraint force from the base to link 3, r is the radius of the axle, R represents the friction force at the joint and M is the friction that appears.…”

“…The use of simulators is now an accepted tool in the training of surgeons, [1]. Although it is still early for definitive conclusions, it seems that there are many advantages in the use of simulators.…”