A Novel Laparoscopic Surgery Training Device
Location
Steelcase Lecture Hall
Description
INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique in which operations are performed in the abdomen using one or more small incisions and a specialized camera system. Demand for safe and efficient training techniques has been met with primitive inexpensive “box trainers” and more physiologically accurate but prohibitively expensive virtual reality systems. The purpose of the Electronic Laparoscopy Trainer is to provide an addition to existing box trainers that allows better training efficiency in a cost effective package. METHODS: New electronic modules are designed for currently available box trainers with input from surgeons and educators at Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners. The modules can be programmed to light up any number of its twenty-four touch sensitive tiles with up to seven colors. This feature allows implementing enhanced training protocols for increased training efficiency of surgical residents. The new modules allow instant feedback for the trainee and provide quantitative analysis on performance. Data gathered from the accuracy and speed of the trainee’s responses is collected, displayed, and stored for later evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: The Electronic Laparoscopy Trainer is versatile and capable of being programmed to simulate a large variety of interactive training protocols. The enhanced trainer is being evaluated by surgeons and educators at Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners.
A Novel Laparoscopic Surgery Training Device
Steelcase Lecture Hall
INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique in which operations are performed in the abdomen using one or more small incisions and a specialized camera system. Demand for safe and efficient training techniques has been met with primitive inexpensive “box trainers” and more physiologically accurate but prohibitively expensive virtual reality systems. The purpose of the Electronic Laparoscopy Trainer is to provide an addition to existing box trainers that allows better training efficiency in a cost effective package. METHODS: New electronic modules are designed for currently available box trainers with input from surgeons and educators at Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners. The modules can be programmed to light up any number of its twenty-four touch sensitive tiles with up to seven colors. This feature allows implementing enhanced training protocols for increased training efficiency of surgical residents. The new modules allow instant feedback for the trainee and provide quantitative analysis on performance. Data gathered from the accuracy and speed of the trainee’s responses is collected, displayed, and stored for later evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: The Electronic Laparoscopy Trainer is versatile and capable of being programmed to simulate a large variety of interactive training protocols. The enhanced trainer is being evaluated by surgeons and educators at Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners.