A Model with Feedback Mechanism for Learning Hand-Eye Coordination: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Practicing neuroendoscopic skills like hand-eye coordination is mandatory before embarking on actual surgeries. Synthetic models are able alternatives for cadavers and animals. Presently available models in the literature are either very costly or lack a feedback mechanism, which makes training difficult.

Objective: We aimed to make a basic low-cost neuroendoscopic hand-eye coordination model with a feedback mechanism.

Methods and materials: An electronic circuit in series was designed inside a clay utensil to test inadvertent contact of the working instrument with implanted steel pins, which on completion lighted a light-emitting diode (LED) and raised an alarm. Two exercises-moving-a-rubber exercise and passing copper rings of multiple sizes were made and tested by 15 neurosurgeons.

Results: The moving-a-rubber exercise was completed by 6/15 (40%) neurosurgeons in the first attempt, 6/15 (40%) in the second, and 3/15 (20%) in the third attempt. For the 1.5 cm copper ring passing exercise, 12/15 (80%) successfully performed in the first attempt; for 1 cm copper ring, 6/15 (40%) performed in the first; and for the 0.5 cm copper ring, 1/15 (6.6%) performed in the first attempt. The time to finish all the exercises significantly decreased in the third successful attempt compared to the first.

Conclusion: The model gave excellent feedback to the trainee and examiner for basic neuroendoscopic hand-eye coordination skills.