Virtual reality simulation in acquiring and differentiating basic ophthalmic microsurgical skills
Publication: Simul Healthc. 2009 Summer;4(2):98-103. doi: 10.1097/SIH.0b013e318195419e.
Link to publication: https://doi.org/10.1097/SIH.0b013e318195419e
Abstract/Summary
Objective:
A virtual reality (VR) surgical simulator (EyeSi ophthalmosurgical simulator: VRMagic, Mannheim, Germany) was evaluated as a part-task training platform for differentiating and developing basic ophthalmic microsurgical skills.
Methods:
Surgical novice performance (residents, interns, and nonmicrosurgical ophthalmic staff) was compared with surgical expert performance (practicing ophthalmic microsurgeons) on a basic navigational microdexterity module provided with the EyeSi simulator.
Results:
Expert surgeons showed a greater initial facility with all microsurgical tasks. With repeated practice, novice surgeons showed sequential improvement in all performance scores, approaching but not equaling expert performance.
Conclusion:
VR simulator performance can be used as a gated, quantifiable performance goal to expert-level benchmarks. The EyeSi is a valid part-task training platform that may help develop novice surgeon dexterity to expert surgeon levels.