Design and validation of a virtual reality trainer for ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia

Virtual reality is a form of high-fidelity simulation that may be used to enhance the quality of medical education. We created a bespoke virtual reality trainer software using high resolution motion capture and ultrasound imagery to teach cognitive-motor needling skills necessary for the performance of ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia. The primary objective of this study was to determine the construct validity between novice and experienced regional anaesthetists. Secondary objectives were: to create learning curves for needling performance; compare the virtual environment immersion with other high-fidelity virtual reality software; and compare cognitive task loads imposed by the virtual trainer compared with real-life medical procedures. We recruited 21 novice and 15 experienced participants, each of whom performed 40 needling attempts on four different virtual nerve targets. Performance scores for each attempt were calculated based on measured metrics (needle angulation, withdrawals, time taken) and compared between the groups. The degree of virtual reality immersion was measured using the Presence Questionnaire, and cognitive burden was measured using the NASA-Task Load Index. Scores by experienced participants were significantly higher than novices (p = 0.002) and for each nerve target (84% vs. 77%, p = 0.002; 86% vs. 79%, p = 0.003; 87% vs. 81%, p = 0.002; 87% vs. 80%, p = 0.003). Log–log transformed learning curves demonstrated individual variability in performance over time. The virtual reality trainer was rated as being comparably immersive to other high-fidelity virtual reality software in the realism, possibility to act and quality of interface subscales (all p > 0.06) but not in the possibility to examine and self-performance subscales (all p < 0.009). The virtual reality trainer created workloads similar to those reported in real-life procedural medicine (p = 0.53). This study achieved initial validation of our new virtual reality trainer and allows progression to a planned definitive trial that will compare the effectiveness of virtual reality training on real-life regional anaesthesia performance.     

Redefining our protocol of the orthognathic surgery-first approach after 10 years of experience

The objective of this study was to update and redefine some concepts of the surgery-first (SF) approach, regarding its indications and contraindications, virtual planning work-up, surgical tips, and postoperative orthodontic benefits, after 10 years of experience. A retrospective analysis was made of orthognathic surgical procedures following the SF protocol between January 2010 and December 2019 to review inclusion and exclusion criteria, diagnostic workflow, surgical tips, and postoperative outcomes. A total of 148 SF procedures were performed during this period, which corresponded to only 9.2% of the total orthognathic surgeries performed, which means that we have broadened the exclusion criteria instead of reducing them. Surgical tips include interdental corticotomies solely in cases of anterior crowding and leaving the intermaxillary fixation miniscrews in place postoperatively for orthodontic skeletal anchorage. The mean duration of postoperative orthodontic treatment was reduced in comparison to conventional surgery (36.8 vs 87.5 weeks). The overall degree of satisfaction was high not only for the patients, but also for the orthodontists and surgeon. SF is especially indicated for patients who desire an immediate aesthetic result, with short-term orthodontics, or for treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders, if they meet the established criteria.     

Augmented reality guided condylectomy

An accurate transfer of a 3D virtual planned proportional condylectomy to the patient is challenging due to the limited surgical access. A new clinical workflow that uses augmented reality to assist a condylectomy is presented step-by-step. This AR-based approach has the potential to be implemented in the clinical setting routinely.     

Nurses’ behavioral intention in using virtual clinical simulation training: By structural equation modeling

AimTo examine the relationship between the nurses’ behavioral intention to use virtual clinical simulation training and study variables, including perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, self-efficacy, technology anxiety, perceived enjoyment and personal innovativeness.BackgroundLittle is known about the nurses’ behavioral intentions behind using virtual clinical simulation training.DesignA cross-sectional study.MethodsA total of 206 registered nurses participated in this survey. Data were collected through online survey from March 20, 2021, to April 2, 2021, since entry into the hospital was strictly controlled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.ResultsStructural equation modeling identified that both perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use were the predictors which influenced behavioral intention. Additionally, perceived enjoyment indirectly affected behavioral intention by influencing both perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use.ConclusionThe successful introduction of virtual clinical simulation training depends on nurses’ willingness and acceptance of its use. The findings of this study show that virtual clinical simulation training should be perceived as useful, easy to use and enjoyable to be accepted by nurses. Virtual clinical simulation programs may have the potential to help improve nurses’ clinical skills and competencies in patient care.Tweetable abstractThis study revealed that the usefulness of its contents, ease of use and enjoyment are important to increase nurses' behavioral intention to use virtual clinical simulation training.     

神经外科教学中虚拟现实技术、Seminar模式应用

目的探讨神经外科教学中虚拟现实技术、Seminar模式的应用效果。方法选取本院2014级临床专业实习学生24人,随机选取12人作为对照组,采用传统教学法;12人为观察组,采用虚拟现实技术、Seminar模式教学法。比较两组学生的病理分析能力,多学科协作能力,临床操作能力。结果观察组理论考试和操作考试评分分别为(84.5±3.9)分、(86.3±2.7)分,对照组分别为(80.2±2.8)分、(80.0±2.1)分,观察组理论考试和操作考试评分均高于对照组(P<0.05)。观察组病情分析、临床操作、手术胜任和多学科协作能力评分分别为(1.8±0.7)分、(1.7±0.5)分、(1.6±0.4)分、(1.5±0.5)分;对照组分别为(1.2±0.4)分、(1.1±0.2)分、(1.0±0.3)分、(1.1±0.2)分,观察组病情分析、临床操作、手术胜任和多学科协作能力评分均高于对照组(P<0.05)。结论虚拟现实技术、Seminar模式教学法联合应用提高学生的学习主动性、理论知识水平和实践技能操作水平,提高了神经外科教学效果。     

Mixed Reality Combined with Three‐Dimensional Printing Technology in Total Hip Arthroplasty: An Updated Review with a Preliminary Case Presentation

Three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology, virtual reality, and augmented reality technology have been used to help surgeons to complete complex total hip arthroplasty, while their respective shortcomings limit their further application. With the development of technology, mixed reality (MR) technology has been applied to improve the success rate of complicated hip arthroplasty because of its unique advantages. We presented a case of a 59‐year‐old man with an intertrochanteric fracture in the left femur, who had received a prior left hip fusion. After admission to our hospital, a left total hip arthroplasty was performed on the patient using a combination of MR technology and 3D printing technology. Before surgery, 3D reconstruction of a certain bony landmark exposed in the surgical area was first performed. Then a veneer part was designed according to the bony landmark and connected to a reference registration landmark outside the body through a connecting rod. After that, the series of parts were made into a holistic reference registration instrument using 3D printing technology, and the patient's data for bone and surrounding tissue, along with digital 3D information of the reference registration instrument, were imported into the head‐mounted display (HMD). During the operation, the disinfected reference registration instrument was installed on the selected bony landmark, and then the automatic real‐time registration was realized by HMD through recognizing the registration landmark on the reference registration instrument, whereby the patient's virtual bone and other anatomical structures were quickly and accurately superimposed on the real body of the patient. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to use MR combined with 3D printing technology in total hip arthroplasty.     

模拟环境下间隔学习对临床技能习得与保持的影响研究进展

临床技能习得与保持一直是医学教育发展面临的重要问题,而随着医学教育的发展与改革,模拟环境下的间隔学习模式受到广泛关注。文章对模拟环境下间隔学习对临床技能习得与保持的影响研究进展进行综述:首先,阐述间隔学习可能的机制;然后,揭示间隔学习在国内外模拟教育的应用现状。文章指出间隔学习在临床技能教学实践中需要注意"加大临床投入,重视临床实践""深入理论基础,完善实证研究""基于我国现状,由浅入深探究"。     

Three-dimensional visualization and virtual reality simulation role in hepatic surgery: Further research warranted

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the study of algorithms that enable machines to analyze and execute cognitive activities including problem solving, object and word recognition, reduce the inevitable errors to improve the diagnostic accuracy, and decision-making. Hepatobiliary procedures are technically complex and the use of AI in perioperative management can improve patient outcomes as discussed below. Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of images obtained via ultrasound, computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging, can help surgeons better visualize the surgical sites with added depth perception. Pre-operative 3D planning is associated with lesser operative time and intraoperative complications. Also, a more accurate assessment is noted, which leads to fewer operative complications. Images can be converted into physical models with 3D printing technology, which can be of educational value to students and trainees. 3D images can be combined to provide 3D visualization, which is used for preoperative navigation, allowing for more precise localization of tumors and vessels. Nevertheless, AI enables surgeons to provide better, personalized care for each patient.