Development and validation of an artificial wetlab training system for the lumbar discectomy.

Purpose: An initial research indicated that realistic haptic simulators with an adapted training concept are needed to enhance the training for spinal surgery.

Methods: A cognitive task analysis (CTA) was performed to define a realistic and helpful scenario-based simulation. Based on the results a simulator for lumbar discectomy was developed.

Patient safety related to the use of medical devices: a review and investigation of the current status in the medical device industry.

To reduce the risk of application error, the federal legislator has demanded a development process which is oriented towards usability (DIN EN 62366). Therefore, the research question concerns the application of this standard by medical device manufacturers. Questionnaires were filled out by five trained interviewers in fully standardized face-to-face interviews at MEDICA Düsseldorf 2010.