NEWS
Spinal surgeons use lifelike simulator to test operations
Spinal surgeons in Southampton are using a simulator complete with artificial bone, tissue and blood as part of a national training programme. The device, known as RealSpine, enables teams to “operate” in theatre with their colleagues in real time and using all standard surgical instruments. Conventionally, training is carried out using human bodies donated for research – cadavers – which don’t bleed and can’t be used in operating theatres, and virtual simulation technology which can become outdated quickly. Using RealSpine, as well as lifelike
bone, tissue and blood, surgeons are faced with complications such as a tear or hole in the membrane surrounding the spinal cord which requires repair. The simulation training event was carried out by Evan Davies, a consultant adult and paediatric spinal surgeon at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, in the operating theatres at Southampton General Hospital.
It is believed to be the first time in the
UK that surgeons and theatre staff have been able to train together in a “live” environment. “This technology is a real simulator,”
Evan explained. “The model feels like real bone and normal spinal tissues, it bleeds like a normal patient and it can create surgical complications. “A lot of simulators are based on
virtual digital environment that don’t give the same sensory feedback as regular surgery and contain expensive hardware and software that quickly becomes outdated and isn’t designed to work in a real time environment. “The advantage of the RealSpine is you do the simulated operation in an operating theatre we normally work in, using instruments and working with scrub teams.” He added: “This is the step between
learning about an operation, seeing an operation performed by another surgeon and then a trainee performing
Success for conference at the Marriott
On 14 March 2018 delegates headed to the Marriott Forest of Arden in Warwickshire for an event programme built around subjects suggested by healthcare personnel. The Operating Theatres and Decontamination Conference 2018 provided a broad cross section of information that theatre and decontamination managers need to know, but have little time to research, study or review during their daily roles. Topics ranged from cyber security and medical devices to information and insight
into working processes at the MHRA. Visitors discovered where the
5 micrograms protein detection limit came from, and looked at case studies from hospitals trying new systems to improve efficiency in theatres. Breakout sessions enabled delegates to tailor the day to suit and there was also access to an exhibition during break times, allowing technical staff to have in-depth discussions with a large number of suppliers in a relaxed atmosphere. Sheila Ashpole, deputy manager, decontamination services at Bedford
Hospital NHS Trust, said the event provided plenty of useful information. “Each event I have attended I have come back to the department with additional ideas of how to tackle re-occurring problems,” she said. “Through discussion with other decontamination service providers I was able to identify the corrective actions required by listening to what others had tried and found most effective. I was also able to discuss methods which we had found effective to the others within the group. A problem shared is a problem halved. The conference was well organised and again provided lots of useful information. I would certainly recommend others to attend.” Donna Robinson, theatre manager
at Northampton General Hospital, added that the event provided: “Very interesting and varied content.” She added that it was: “Good for networking with others, good for seeing different companies and discussing areas that you may not have normally thought of.”
8 l JULY 2018 l OPERATING THEATRE
the surgery – and having it as lifelike as possible is a major advantage. “Conventional training is via cadavers but these cases aren’t anywhere near as effective as RealSpine as they don’t bleed, can’t be operated on in our normal theatres and have all the risks associated with using biological material.” Davies said the equipment can
currently only be used through industry funding and is now calling for NHS support to incorporate the technology as standard in trainee programmes. “We’ve so far only been able to hold this course through industry support but, long-term, we hope to look for NHS funding to be part of all spinal fellows’ induction training as they progress towards qualification.”
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