Subventions et des contributions :

Subvention ou bourse octroyée s'appliquant à plus d'un exercice financier. (2017-2018 à 2020-2021)

Mastoidectomy is a complex surgical procedure in which portions of the skull are drilled awayx000D
to treat ear infections, to place cochlear implants and to remove tumours. Hundreds ofx000D
thousands of mastoidectomies are performed worldwide each year with surgical complicationx000D
rates as high as 20%. Surgical mistakes are disastrous and include facial nerve paralysis,x000D
hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo and altered taste. Significant training is required to master thex000D
procedure. However, training is hampered by a shortage of cadaveric materials. To providex000D
an alternative training approach, we have developed a virtual-reality simulator that allows thex000D
user to operate on a single 3D digital head model. Practice on a single model does notx000D
prepare trainees for the large variability in patient anatomy, but creating additional models isx000D
difficult. Moreover, careful evaluation of the simulator is required for acceptance.x000D
Our objectives are to (1) develop software to automatically construct digital models fromx000D
patient images, (2) implement automated performance assessment methods, and (3)x000D
evaluate skill development and transfer from the virtual environment to realistic settings.x000D
We will develop software to automatically warp a template digital anatomical model to matchx000D
a specific patient image, thus generating models for new patients. We will implementx000D
software that automates evaluation of each trainees performance when operating on virtualx000D
head models. The software will be based on well validated metrics that are used in currentx000D
practice by instructors. To evaluate skill development and transfer, an expert panel ofx000D
Otolaryngologists will evaluate trainees on cadaveric skulls before and after training using thex000D
simulator.x000D
The simulator will result in increased and improved training opportunities on a wide variety ofx000D
patient types. Moreover, it will allow rehearsal on a digital model prior to surgery on a specificx000D
anatomy, leading to improved surgical performance.