Activity: Talk or presentation › Oral presentation
Description
Cranial grafts are used for the reconstruction of skeletal defects after trauma, tumor,
infection or congenital pseudarthrosis [1] and due to their biocompatibility are more
favored [2]. A common method to harvest parietal grafts is the split thickness graft
method which is characterized by fast rotating surgical drives. To avoid accidents,
appropriate thrust forces and drilling speeds have to be applied. Thus extensive training
of novice surgeons is necessary. One training modality are model simulators, which
provide a physical phantom with realistic anatomy and haptic feedback. Studies have
shown that, in contrast to visual guided training only, simulators with haptic feedback
have higher surgical skill-transfer to novel surgeons [3]. The aim of this study was to
validate artificial parietal bones for graft lift training. Structural parameters of all bony
layers were measured and characteristic forces during surgical machinery procedures
were recorded [4]. Further, a simulator prototype was developed and tested by two
experienced surgeons.