A Novel Electronic Spine Trainer for Endoscopic Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Abstract Traditional endoscopic spine training using cadavers and animal models faces limitations due to availability and ethical concerns, while existing synthetic models are often too simplistic or expensive. There is a need for a more accessible and affordable training solution. This study aims to develop and evaluate a low-cost, indigenous electronic model for training surgeons in minimally invasive spine surgery. A Foley catheter wrapped with a copper coil and covered with plastic cling film was used. This was placed through a foam and wooden spoon, which simulated the lamina and ligamentum flavum. An electronic circuit with an alarm, a light-emitting diode, and a direct current source was connected. The surgeon aimed to cut the wooden spoon and foam without injuring the cling film. Forty-five neurosurgeons tested the model. The differences between the time duration and the number of errors during the first and third attempts were analyzed. Participants also rated the model on a Likert scale of 1 to 5. The mean duration of successful exercise during the first and final attempt was 24.51 and 19.03 minutes. The mean errors also reduced from the first to third attempt, which were 2.15 and 0.44, respectively. The correlation between experience and the response on the Likert scale was weakly negative. The correlation between experience and the number of errors was moderately negative. The novel electronic model for minimally invasive spine surgery provides a low-cost, accessible, and effective means for surgeons to practice endoscopic spine surgery skills.