A novel electro-mechanical neuro-endoscopic box trainer

Minimally invasive surgical training systems have gained enormous interest in the past decade due to wide acceptance of minimal access procedures. These training systems allow apprentices to gain skills required for such procedures outside the operating room. Many training systems have been developed for laparoscopic surgeries ranging from physical trainers to virtual reality trainers. However, there are limited resources available for training of skills required for neuro-endoscopy and involved instruments. Neuro-endoscopy requires skills such as depth perception, eye hand coordination, bimanual dexterity and adjustment to the fulcrum effect in very limited space as compared to other surgical branches. As a result, a neuro-endoscopic box trainer has been developed for skills training of trans-sphenoid endo-nasal approach to the skull base. The operative area related to this approach was measured from Computed Tomography (CT) scan of head. 3D modeling of Neuro-Endo-Trainer was done using computer aided designing and manufacturing using additive manufacturing fused deposition modeling and polyjet printing technologies. Activity platform was electronically programmed for angular rotation to acquaint surgeons with angulated optics used in neuro-endoscopy. Initial experience with the trainer shows that it is a useful tool for teaching neuro-endoscopic skills.