Development and Initial Evaluation of a Novel, Ultraportable, Virtual Reality Bronchoscopy Simulator: The Computer Airway Simulation System

Abstract

We describe the design, development, and initial evaluation of the CASS-a new, ultraportable, affordable, VR bronchoscopy simulator. The simulator's face validity was supported by excellent assessments from senior anesthesiologists with regard to anatomical realism, quality of graphics, and handling performance, even though some future refinements are required. All the practitioners agreed on the significant educational potential of the CASS.

Difficult Airway Society guidelines for awake tracheal intubation (ATI) in adults

“…Successful performance of ATI has been shown to be independent of seniority, but related to experience . There are many strategies used for training in the technical aspects of ATI, including the use of manikins, simulators, cadavers and patients . All anaesthetists should seek every opportunity to attain and maintain skills in ATI and all departments should support this (Grade C).…”

“…There are many strategies used for training in the technical aspects of ATI, including the use of manikins, simulators, cadavers and patients [59,[155][156][157][158][159][160][161]. All anaesthetists should seek every opportunity to attain and maintain skills in ATI and all departments should support this [1] (Grade C).…”

A New Virtual World? The Future of Immersive Environments in Anesthesiology

“…15,16 IVE-based anesthesia training has been reported for procedural areas such as bronchoscopy, central line insertion, and regional anesthesia simulators. [17][18][19][20] Studies investigating such procedural training have shown that practicing technical skills in virtual environments can lead to effective knowledge Cost for creation and equipment can vary from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on the level of immersion and complexity.…”

“…IVE-based anesthesia training has been reported for procedural areas such as bronchoscopy, central line insertion, and regional anesthesia simulators. 17–20 Studies investigating such procedural training have shown that practicing technical skills in virtual environments can lead to effective knowledge acquisition and retention with subsequent successful clinical application. 15,17 Furthermore, IVEs can be easily manipulated, allowing iterative skill-building within evolving virtual scenarios.…”

Interventional Pulmonology: The Role of Simulation Training and Competency-Based Evaluation

“…Cheaper models have been developed with similar results. 23 Simulators regardless of low or high fidelity have demonstrated these positive outcomes in procedural training 24,25 Steinfort et al used low fidelity three-dimensional (3D)printed anatomic airway model where participants performed bronchoscopy and were assessed according to time required to navigate to a target bronchus and were successful in assessing bronchoscopic dexterity and reliably discriminate between different levels of skill in performing bronchoscopic navigation and airway inspection. 26 3D printed models in other studies have demonstrated similar feasibility and results.…”