Best Practice Using Ex Vivo Animal Brain Modelling in Neurosurgical Education to Assess Surgical Expertise

Abstract

Background: Ex vivo animal brain simulation models are increasingly utilized for neurosurgical training since these models can replicate human brain conditions. This communication aims to provide the neurosurgical community interested in utilizing ex vivo animal brain simulation models with guidelines for comprehensively and rigorously conducting, documenting, and assessing this type of research. Methods: In consultation with an interdisciplinary group of physicians and researchers involved in ex vivo models, and a review of the literature on best practice guidelines for simulation research, we developed the “Ex Vivo Brain Model to Assess Surgical Expertise” (EVBMASE) checklist. This checklist provides a comprehensive quantitative framework to analyze and report studies involving brain simulation models. We apply this checklist to articles published on ex vivo animal brain models to document how good or bad current ex vivo brain simulation models are in training surgical expertise. Results: The EVBMASE checklist utilizes defined subsections and a total score, which can help researchers to better assess the quality of, and determine deficiencies in any simulation research model. Conclusions: This work contributes to a more rigorous application, documentation, and thorough assessment of ex vivo brain simulation research.