The Use of a Novel Perfusion-Based Human Cadaveric Model for Simulation of Dural Venous Sinus Injury and Repair.

Background: Dural sinus injuries are potentially serious complications associated with acute blood loss. It is imperative that neurosurgery trainees are able to recognize and manage this challenging scenario.

Objective: To assess the feasibility of a novel perfusion-based cadaveric simulation model to provide the fundamentals of dural sinus repair to neurosurgical trainees.

Methods: A total of 10 perfusion-based human cadaveric models underwent superior sagittal sinus (SSS) laceration. Neurosurgery residents were instructed to achieve hemostasis by any method in the first trial and then repeated the trial after watching the instructional dural flap technique video. Trials were timed until hemostasis and control of the region of injury was achieved. Pre- and post-trial questionnaires were administered to assess trainee confidence levels.

Results: The high-flow extravasation of the perfusion-based cadaveric model mimicked similar conditions and challenges encountered during acute SSS injury. Mean ± standard deviation time to hemostasis was 341.3 ± 65 s in the first trial and 196.9 ± 41.8 s in the second trial (P < .0001). Mean trainee improvement time was 144.4 s (42.3%). Of the least-experienced trainees with longest repair times in the initial trial, a mean improvement time of 188.3 s (44.8%) was recorded. All participants reported increased confidence on post-trial questionnaires following the simulation (median pretrial confidence of 2 vs post-trial confidence of 4, P = .002).

Conclusion: A perfusion-based human cadaveric model accurately simulates acute dural venous sinus injury, affording neurosurgical trainees the opportunity to hone management skills in a simulated and realistic environment.