Virtual Reality Simulators for Endoscopic Sinus and Skull Base Surgery: The Present and Future

Abstract

Endoscopic sinus and skull base surgeries are minimally invasive surgical techniques that reduce postoperative symptoms and complications and enhance patients’ quality of life. However, to ensure excellent surgical outcomes after such interventions, intimate familiarity with important landmarks and high-level endoscope manipulation skills are essential. Cadaver training is one possible option, but cadavers are expensive, scarce, and nonreusable and cadaver work requires specialized equipment and staff. In addition, it is difficult to mimic specific diseases using cadavers. Virtual reality simulators can create a computerized environment in which the patient’s anatomy is reproduced and interaction with endoscopic handling and realistic haptic feedback is possible. Moreover, they can be used to present scenarios that improve trainees’ skills and confidence. Therefore, virtual simulator training can be implemented at all levels of surgical education. This review introduces the current literature on virtual reality training for endoscopic sinus and skull base surgeons, and discusses the direction of future developments.

Understanding the Biomechanical Properties of Skull Base Tissues Is Essential for the Future of Virtual Reality Endoscopic Sinus and Skull Base Surgery Simulators

“…We would like to address the article titled "Virtual reality simulators for endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery: the present and future" by Kim et al [1]. In the field of endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery (ESSBS), many virtual reality simulators (VRS) have been developed.…”

“…Kim et al [1] observed that most of ESBSS-VRS nowadays intend to provide haptic feedback. However, there are few data regarding the development and validation of haptic rendering.…”

Recent Advances in the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

“…Performance [ 8 - 10 ]. As various methods of AI analysis have been developed and refined, the practical scope of AI in the otorhinolaryngological field has been broadened (e.g., virtual reality technology [ 11 - 13 ]). Therefore, it is essential for otorhinolaryngologists to understand the capabilities and limitations of AI.…”

Validation of the Maxillary Sinus Roof as a Landmark for Navigating the Pediatric Skull Base

“…4,5 As such, there is no replacement for an intimate familiarity with the important anatomic landmarks and relationships within the sinuses to have consistently safe and positive outcomes. 6…”

“…4,5 As such, there is no replacement for an intimate familiarity with the important anatomic landmarks and relationships within the sinuses to have consistently safe and positive outcomes. 6 In skull base centers around the world, those performing complex sinus surgery are taught a common dictum to stay below the maxillary roof as a landmark to avoid iatrogenic skull base injury. One of many anatomic relationships within the sinuses, this was described anecdotally for decades until a recent study by Harvey et al 7 showed this association to be accurate and reliable in an objective evaluation.…”