EASIER: A new model for online learning of minimally invasive surgery skills

Introduction: Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) can provide the tools to safely master minimally invasive surgery (MIS) skills in patient-free environments and receive immediate objective feedback without the constant presence of an instructor. However, TEL-based systems tend to work isolated from one another, focus on different skills, and...

Can effective pedagogy be ensured in minimally invasive surgery e-learning?

Introduction: Effectiveness of e-learning diminishes without the support of a pedagogical model to guide its use. In minimally invasive surgery (MIS), this has been reported as a limitation when technology is used to deliver contents without a sound pedagogical background. Material and methods: We describe how a generic pedagogical model, the...

A pedagogically-supported TEL solution for learning nontechnical minimally invasive surgical skills across Europe

Assessment of joystick and wrist control in hand-held articulated laparoscopic prototypes

Various steerable instruments with flexible distal tip have been developed for laparoscopic surgery. The problem of steering such instruments, however, remains a challenge, because no study investigated which control method is the most suitable. This study was designed to examine whether thumb (joystick) or wrist control method is designated for...

Objective classification of residents based on their psychomotor laparoscopic skills

Background - From the clinical point of view, it is important to recognize residents’ level of expertise with regard to basic psychomotor skills. For that reason, surgeons and surgical organizations (e.g., Acreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, ACGME) are calling for assessment tools that credential residents as technically...

Force feedback and basic laparoscopic skills

Background - Not much is known about the exact role offorce feedback in laparoscopy. This study aimed to determine whether force feedback influences movements of instruments during training in laparoscopic tasks and whether force feedback is required for training in basic laparoscopic force application tasks. Methods - A group of 19 gynecologic...

Retracting and seeking movements during laparoscopic goal-oriented movements. Is the shortest path length optimal?

Aims- Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) requires a high degree of eye–hand coordination from the surgeon. To facilitate the learning process, objective assessment systems based on analysis of the instruments’ motion are being developed. To investigate the influence of performance on motion characteristics, we examined goaloriented movements in a...

The influence of experience and camera holding on laparoscopic instrument movements measured with the TrEndo tracking system