P.181 High-Fidelity Simulation-Based Microsurgical Training for Neurosurgical Residents

Background: Microsurgical techniques remain a cornerstone of neurosurgical training. Despite this, neurosurgical microvascular case volumes are decreasing as endovascular and minimally invasive options expand. As such, educators are looking towards simulation to supplement operative exposure. We review a single institution’s experience with a comprehensive, longitudinal microsurgical simulation training program, and evaluate its effectiveness. Methods: Consecutive postgraduate year 2 (PGY-2) neurosurgery residents completed a one-year curriculum spanning 17 training sessions divided into 5 modules of increasing fidelity. Both perfused duck wing and live rat femoral vessel training modules were used. Trainee performance was video recorded and blindly graded using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills Global Rating Scale. Results: Eighteen participants completed 107 microvascular anastomoses during the study. There was significant improvement in six measurable skills during the curriculum. Mean overall score was significantly higher on the fifth attempt compared to the first attempt for all 3 live anastomotic modules (p<0.001). Each module had a different improvement profile across the skills assessed. The greatest improvement was observed during artery-to-artery anastomosis. Conclusions: This high-fidelity microsurgical simulation curriculum demonstrated a significant improvement in the six microneurosurgical skills assessed, supporting its use as an effective teaching model. Transferability to the operative environment is actively being investigated.