A New STUD Improving Surgical Training for Cervical Spine Operations
When patients suffer from cervical disc damage, the corresponding life-altering symptoms, like extreme back pain or troublesome numbness and tingling, are nearly impossible to live with. In these cases, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery is necessary to remove the disc and relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve root. For patients requiring ACDF surgery, their surgeon’s skill and experience are vital to the long-term surgical outcome. ACDF surgery complications can arise, therefore preparing with customizable, life-like surgical training models that represent these issues is crucial.
Our customer approached us requiring a model for training surgeons in ACDF approaches, and they needed it fast. We were ready to hit the ground running to help more surgeons master ACDF techniques.
A Challenge to Overcome
In order to provide the best ACDF training experience, the cervical spine model our customer requested had to include all the soft tissue elements that are critical to realism. This meant we needed to incorporate new tissues into our existing SurgiSTUD cervical spine model. We tested different materials to create synthetic longus colli muscles, vertebral arteries, the esophagus, and the trachea. All of these parts had to be easy to identify and differentiate from other nearby soft tissue elements.
These elements are important to consider when choosing a synthetic cadaver to train the ACDF procedure. ACDF scar management and overall ACDF surgery recovery timeline are important factors that patients weigh in heavily on.
A Much-Needed Solution
We were able to quickly create a comprehensive, custom spine model that our client can use to train different posterior and anterior cervical instrumentation, as well as various imaging techniques and positioning. Our unique simulated soft tissues allow detailed instruction throughout the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion procedure that may differ depending on the tools or instrument sets used.
And as with all our STUDs, this model was built upon our patented 3D printed boney architecture to provide haptic feedback to trainees as they train instrumentation.
Driving Results That Make an Impact
Not only does it provide a high-quality solution for training, but this model also eliminates frustrating limitations. Unlike traditional cadavers, SurgiSTUD's synthetic cadaver can be used in any setting, not just in lab spaces. Training and demonstrations with this model can also occur in conference or office settings. This gives our customers greater flexibility in choosing training venues with less need for logistic oversight and reduced costs when compared to traditional cadaver training.
In the end, this custom cervical spine model will facilitate more training, which means more skilled surgeons can perform ACDF surgeries successfully with positive patient outcomes
To find out how we can work with you on a custom solution for your challenge, visit our website and ask us about our SurgiSTUD SpineSTUD spine surgery training model.
