Force feedback vessel ligation simulator in knot-tying proficiency training

作者：Hsu Justin L; Korndorffer James R Jr; Brown Kimberly M^*

来源：American Journal of Surgery, 2016, 211(2): 411-415.

DOI：10.1016/j.amjsurg.2015.09.009

• Vessel ligation
• Simulation
• Surgical training
• Knot-tying
• Force feedback
• Curriculum

BACKGROUND: Tying gentle secure knots is an important skill. We have developed a force feedback simulator that measures force exerted during knot tying. This pilot study examines the benefits of this simulator in a deliberate practice curriculum.
METHODS: The simulator consists of silastic tubing with a force sensor. Knot quality was assessed using digital caliper measurement. Participants performed 10 vessel ligations as a pretest, then were shown force readings and tied knots until reaching proficiency targets. Average peak forces precurriculum and postcurriculum were compared using Student t test.
RESULTS: Participants exerted significantly less force after completing the curriculum (.61 N +/- .22 vs 1.42 N +/- .53, P < .001), and had fewer air knots (10% vs 27%). The curriculum was completed in an average of 19.4 +/- 6.27 minutes and required an average of 11.7 +/- 4.03 knots to reach proficiency.
CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the feasibility of real-time feedback in learning to tie delicate knots. The curriculum can be completed in a reasonable amount of time, and may also work as a warm-up exercise before a surgical case.

• 出版日期2016-2