How to become the "High Score Cyber Surgeon" - endoscopic training using the nasal endoscopy simulator (NES)

Rapid development in the medical field, an expanding knowledge base and upcoming technologies require a continuing medical education to achieve life long learning and to keep the surgeons up to date. Consequently, specific training is necessary to guarantee the qualification of the surgeon. In recent years several training systems have been developed using Virtual Reality (VR) techniques to overcome the current drawbacks of traditional training systems (on-the-job training, plastic models etc.). In a co-operation project of University Hospital in Mainz (Department of Otalaryngology Head and Neck Surgery) and the Technical University in Darmstadt the Nasal Endoscopy Simulator (NES) is developed. Similar to a scenario in a computer game several tasks grouped into levels have to be solved during the training process. These levels are starting with simple tasks in abstract virtual environments to train the handling of the endoscope and they are ending with scenarios using complex models of the endonasal sinus to train orientation as well as diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. During a simulated interventions errors of the trainee, for example collisions of instruments and high sensitive tissues, are detected and evaluated. The integrative adaptable training environment provides new opportunities in medical education and enhances the medical standard curriculum. This concept has a general applicability to other medical fields.