Highly realistic simulation for robot-assisted hypothalamic hamartoma real-time MRI-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT)

Purpose Real-time MRI-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a challenging procedure due to its technical complexity, as well as the need for efficient multidisciplinary teamwork and transfer of an anesthetized patient between operating room (OR) and magnetic resonance (MR). A highly realistic simulation was developed to design the safest process before being applied to real patients. In this report, authors address the description of the methodology used for this simulation and its purposefulness. Methods The entire image planning, anesthetic, and surgical process were performed on a modified pediatric simulation mannequin with a brain made of medical grade silicone including a hypothalamic hamartoma. Preoperative CT and MR were acquired. Stereotactic insertion of the optical fiber was assisted by the Neuromate (R) stereotactic robot. Laser ablation was performed with the Medtronic Visualase (R) MRI-guided system in a 3T Phillips Ingenia (R) MR scanner. All the stages of the process, participants, and equipment were the same as planned for a real surgery. Results No critical errors were found in the process design that prevented the procedure from being performed with adequate safety. Specific proposals for team positioning and interaction in patient transfers and in MR room were validated. Some specific elements that could improve safety were identified. Conclusion Highly realistic simulation has been an extremely useful tool for safely planning LITT, because professionals were able to take actions in the workflow based not on ideas but on lived experiences. It contributed definitively to build a well-coordinated surgical team that worked safely and more efficiently.