Sensorised Surgical Gloves for Neuroendovascular Procedures
This study is looking at how much force doctors use when performing sensitive brain procedures to treat conditions like aneurysms. They are using new surgical gloves with tiny sensors built into them. These 'smart' gloves will measure the pressure applied during the procedure. The main goal is to see if these gloves can accurately detect the forces doctors use. This information could help make these procedures even safer and help new doctors learn the best way to do them more quickly. Researchers will ask both experienced surgeons and those still in training to perform a simulated procedure while wearing these gloves. They will also explore if computer vision technology can play a role in improving these operations. Your participation could help improve future medical training and patient safety.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine surgeons performing delicate operations in the brain, working with very thin tubes and tiny devices. Understanding exactly how much force they need to use is crucial for safety and successful outcomes. This study is exploring a clever new way to measure these forces during a specific type of procedure called a 'neuroendovascular' procedure, which involves working inside blood vessels in the brain.
Researchers have designed special surgical gloves that have tiny, built-in force sensors. When a doctor wears these gloves and performs a procedure in a realistic model (not on a real person), the gloves can record how much pressure and force is being applied. This is important because currently, it's hard to precisely measure these forces. By understanding the 'feel' of the procedure and the forces involved, doctors hope to make these operations even safer for patients and help new surgeons learn faster and more effectively.
The study will involve both very experienced surgeons and doctors who are still in training. By comparing the force measurements from both groups, researchers can identify what an 'optimal' force feels like and if analysing these forces can tell the difference between an expert and someone who is still learning. This information could lead to better training methods and perhaps even new tools that provide real-time feedback to surgeons.
Key takeaways
- This study uses special 'smart gloves' to measure forces during simulated brain procedures.
- The aim is to make these delicate operations safer and improve doctor training.
- Experienced doctors and those in training will participate using a realistic model.
- No real patients are involved in this specific part of the research.
- Data collected could lead to better surgical techniques and teaching methods.
- Your contribution helps advance medical understanding without medical risk to you.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you would need to be a doctor who either has a lot of experience performing brain blood vessel procedures (a neurointerventionist) or is currently training to become one.
However, you cannot participate if you haven't been trained in using medical imaging equipment that involves radiation, such as X-rays that are often used during these types of procedures.
- Are you a doctor?
- Do you currently perform or are you training for neuroendovascular procedures (brain blood vessel procedures)?
- Have you been trained to use medical imaging equipment that involves radiation?
- Are you able to commit to a single session to perform a simulated procedure?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you take part in this study, you will be asked to perform a simulated procedure. This means you will use a special model, made of silicone, that acts like a patient's blood vessels. You will use a common device called a 'Flow Diverter' (a type of stent) within this model. While you are doing this, you will wear the special surgical gloves with sensors. These gloves will continuously record the forces you apply, but you will not know these force measurements during the procedure. We will also record videos of the procedure and X-ray images, and your technique will be assessed. The study expects that your involvement will be a single session and will not require multiple visits or long-term follow-up.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Royal Infirmary of EdinburghEdinburgh, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is a 'Flow Diverter'?
A Flow Diverter is a small, mesh-like tube (stent) that is placed inside a blood vessel, usually in the brain, to help treat conditions like aneurysms by redirecting blood flow away from the weakness in the vessel wall.
Will I be operating on a real person?
No, you will be performing the procedure on a special silicone model designed to mimic human blood vessels, not on a real patient.
What is 'computer vision technology' in this context?
Computer vision technology involves teaching computers to 'see' and interpret images or videos. In this study, it might be used to analyse surgical movements or images during the procedure to provide additional insights.
Will my identity be kept private?
Yes, all your information and data collected during the study will be kept confidential, meaning your identity will not be shared.
How long will my involvement in the study take?
Your participation is expected to involve a single session to perform the simulated procedure.
How to find out more
Jonathan J Downer, MRCP FRCR
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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