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Original research
Development and evaluation of a craniocerebral model with tactile-realistic feature and intracranial pressure for neurosurgical training
  1. Zongchao Yi1,2,
  2. Bingwei He1,2,
  3. Yuqing Liu2,3,
  4. Shenyue Huang2,3,
  5. Wenyao Hong2,3
  1. 1 College of Mechanical Engineering & Automation, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
  2. 2 Fujian Engineering Research Center of Joint Intelligent Medical Engineering, Fuzhou, China
  3. 3 Deptartment of Neurosurgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
  1. Correspondence to Dr Bingwei He, College of Mechanical Engineering & Automation, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China; mebwhe{at}fzu.edu.cn

Abstract

Objective In this article, a craniocerebral model is introduced for neurosurgical training, which is patient-specific, tactile-realistic, and with adjustable intracranial pressure.

Methods The patient-specific feature is achieved by modeling from CT scans and magnetic resonance images (MRI). The brain tissue model is built by the hydrogel casting technique, while scalp, skull, vasculature, and lateral ventricles are all-in-one fabricated by three-dimensional (3D) printing. A closed-loop system is integrated to monitor and control the intracranial pressure. 3D measurements, mechanical tests, and simulated external ventricular drain (EVD) placement procedures are conducted on the model.

Results A neurosurgical training model is completed with high accuracy (mean deviation 0.36 mm). The hydrogel brain tissue has a stiffness more similar to that of a real brain than the common 3D printed materials. The elasticity modulus of hydrogel brain tissue model is E=25.71 kPa, compared with our softest 3D printed material with E=1.14×103 kPa. Ten experienced surgeons rate the tactile realness of the neurosurgical training model at an average point of 4.25 on a scale from 1 (strongly negative) to 5 (strongly positive). The neurosurgical training model is also rated to be realistic in size (4.82), anatomy (4.70), and effective as an aid to improve blind EVD placement skills (4.65).

Conclusions The neurosurgical training model can provide trainee surgeons with realistic experience in both tactile feedbacks and craniocerebral anatomy, improving their surgical skills.

  • intracranial pressure
  • ventricle
  • catheter
  • hydrocephalus
  • technology

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Footnotes

  • Contributors BH and YL designed the study and are guarantors. ZY carried out the trial, collected and analyzed the data, and drafted the paper. SH and WH acquired the medical data and revised the paper.

  • Funding This work was supported by [Fujian Provincial Health and Family Planning Commission] grant number [2017-CX-14]; [Fujian Medical University] grant number [J17011].

  • Competing interests None declared.

  • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.