Movie special effects teams are training surgeons
- The training device closely mimics an adolescent with excessive brain fluid
- Teams replicated human pulses and fluid movement in the nervous system
- The procedure scored over 4.6 out of five for its realism to real surgery
- Other brain diseases could be tested thanks to the model’s removable head
- Creating realistic surgical experiences outside operating rooms is a challenge
Alexandra Thompson Health Reporter For Mailonline
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Special effects teams have developed a unique tool that teaches surgery trainees to perform operations.
Using 3D printing and Hollywood-style effects, the device closely mimics an adolescent human with excessive fluid on the brain.
Training to be a neurosurgeon generally takes seven years – longer than any other medical specialty.
It is currently challenging to create a realistic surgical experience outside an operating room.
Special-effects teams have helped to create realistic replicas of patients with brain conditions
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KEYHOLE SURGERY ‘A REVOLUTION’ IN BRAIN CANCER TREATMENT
A plastic tube that allows doctors to safely perform brain keyhole surgery could double the number of patients who can have lifesaving tumour operations.
About 10,000 people are diagnosed with brain cancer in the UK every year, but more than half are told their tumours are inoperable.
Using a device called BrainPath, surgeons can reach tumours without any cutting or cell destruction by following the natural folds of the organ.
When the tumour is reached, surgeon can safely access it via the device.
The researchers from John Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, worked with special-effects teams to create a training model that replicates human pulses and the movement of fluid in the brain and spinal cord.
One of the biggest failings of current 3D models is the stiffness of their sculpting material.
This was overcome by using special-effect materials that reproduce the texture of external skin and internal brain structures.
The model was tested according to a standard treatment used to relieve excessive fluid on the brain, known as hydrocephalus.
Trainees were then asked to complete a questionnaire that evaluated how closely the stimulated procedure mimics actual hydrocephalus treatment, as well as the model’s appearance and feel.
Neurosurgeons also assessed the trainees’ performances.
Out of five, the model scored over 4.6 for both its similarity to the true treatment procedure, and its look and feel.
The model’s replaceable head means a variety of diseased or injured brain scenarios could be tested.
Study author Dr Alan Cohen, said, ‘This unique collaboration of interdisciplinary experts resulted in the creation of an ultra-realistic 3D surgical training model.
‘Simulation has become increasingly important for training in minimally invasive neurosurgery.
‘It also has the potential to revolutionize training for all surgical procedures.’
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