Case‐Specific Simulation in Temporal Bone Surgery

Abstract

Objective: 1) To investigate the feasibility of performing case specific surgical rehearsal (CSSR) using a virtual reality (VR) temporal bone simulator. 2) To identify potential clinical applications in temporal bone surgery.Method: Preclinical study conducted in a London teaching hospital. Twenty-four cadaver temporal bones were CT scanned and uploaded onto the Voxelman simulator. Sixteen participants (trainer and trainee group) performed 3 dissection tasks on VR and cadaver models. CSSR was assessed for feasibility and clinical applications using a 5-point Likert scale.Results: The upload process required a semi-automated system. The average time for each upload was 15 minutes. Suboptimal reconstruction occurred (n = 4) when the mastoid process and ossicular chain were not captured. CSSR rated highly among both groups (Likert score >4) for surgical anatomy (75%), facilitating surgical planning (75%), and training (94%). Both groups reported suboptimal realism compared to cadaver models due to poor depth...