Abstract:

Objective　To establish a novel cadaver head model and do dissection in this model that simulates the living surgery. The objective is to use this model for nasal endoscopic surgical training under image guided navigation system (IGNS) and to improve rhinologist's surgical dissection skills.　Methods　We established a cadaver head model that simulates the living surgery. The common carotid arteries (CCA) and the internal jugular veins (JV) were exposed on the model. We connected a "heart-like" pump to the cadaver head, using plastic tube filled  with artificial blood (red fluid for arterial blood, blue fluid for venous blood. The pump rate and presser mimicked human conditions.) The blood flows from the CCA on the other side through the arterial circle in the skull base. When a blood vessel is cut in a dissection training session, the bleeding of the blood vessel can be stopped by bipolar diathermy or mono polar diathermy at the time of the dissection just as that in the living surgery.　Results　The cadaver head model creates a very realistic dissection scenario. We could distinguish the anatomical landmarks, and have a deeping understanding of the imaging.　Conclusions　This novel cadaver head model which simulates living surgery provides better nasal endoscopic surgery training with or without IGNS. This also made the nasal endoscopic dissection training significantly move forward. This model could be beneficial for all types of surgical training in the future with or without IGNS, not just nasal endoscopic surgical training.

Key words:  Living simulation model, Anatomy training, Image guided navigation system, Nasal endoscope, Nasal cavity