RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Training in anastomosis is fundamental in neurosurgery due to the precision and dexterity required. Biological models, although realistic, present limitations such as availability, ethical concerns, and the risk of biological contamination. Synthetic models, on the other hand, offer durability and standardized conditions, although they sometimes lack anatomical realism. This study aims to evaluate and compare the efficiency of anastomosis training models in the intra-extracranial cerebral bypass procedure, identifying those characteristics that enhance optimal microsurgical skill development and participant experience. METHODS: A neurosurgery workshop was held from March 2024 to June 2024 with 5 vascular techniques and the participation of 22 surgeons. The models tested were the human placenta, the Wistar rat, the chicken wing artery, the nasogastric feeding tube, and the UpSurgeOn Mycro simulator. The scales used to measure these models were the Main Characteristics Score and the Evaluation Score. These scores allowed us to measure, qualitatively and quantitatively, durability, anatomical similarity, variety of simulation scenarios, risk of biological contamination, ethical considerations and disadvantages with specific infrastructure. RESULTS: The human placenta model, Wistar rat model, and UpSurgeOn model were identified as the most effective for training. The human placenta and Wistar rat models were highly regarded for anatomical realism, while the UpSurgeOn model excelled in durability and advanced simulation scenarios. Ethical and cost implications were also considered. CONCLUSIONS: The study identifies the human placenta and UpSurgeOn models as optimal for training in intra-extracranial bypass procedures, emphasizing the need for diverse and effective training models in neurosurgery.
Assuntos
Competência Clínica , Procedimentos Neurocirúrgicos , Ratos Wistar , Animais , Humanos , Ratos , Procedimentos Neurocirúrgicos/educação , Procedimentos Neurocirúrgicos/métodos , Neurocirurgia/educação , Feminino , Placenta/cirurgia , Revascularização Cerebral/métodos , Revascularização Cerebral/educação , Microcirurgia/educação , Microcirurgia/métodos , Gravidez , Anastomose Cirúrgica/educação , Anastomose Cirúrgica/métodos , Galinhas , Modelos Anatômicos , Treinamento por Simulação/métodos , Modelos AnimaisRESUMO
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Neurosurgery relies heavily on advanced manual skills, necessitating effective training models for skill development. While various models have been utilized, the human placenta has emerged as a promising candidate for microneurosurgical training due to its anatomical similarities with cerebral vasculature. However, existing placenta models have primarily focused on simulating superficial procedures, often neglecting the complexities encountered in deep operative fields during cranial surgeries. METHODS: This study obtained ethical approval and implemented a modified placenta model to address the limitations of existing training models. The key modification involved folding the placenta and placing it within a rigid container, closely mimicking the structural challenges of cranial procedures. The placenta preparation followed a standardized protocol, including the use of specialized equipment for documentation. RESULTS: The primary feature of the modified model is the folded placenta within the rigid container, which replicates cranial anatomy. This innovative approach enables trainees to engage in a comprehensive range of microsurgical exercises, encompassing vessel dissection, aneurysm clipping, tumor resection, and more. The model successfully mirrors the complexities of real cranial procedures, providing a realistic training experience. CONCLUSIONS: The presented modified placenta model serves as an effective tool for simulating the conditions encountered in deep cranial surgeries. By accurately replicating the challenges of deep operative fields, the model significantly enhances the training of neurosurgical residents. It successfully prepares trainees to navigate the intricacies and difficulties inherent in real cranial surgeries, thus contributing to improved surgical skills and readiness for neurosurgical practice.
Assuntos
Microcirurgia , Modelos Anatômicos , Procedimentos Neurocirúrgicos , Placenta , Humanos , Feminino , Placenta/cirurgia , Procedimentos Neurocirúrgicos/educação , Procedimentos Neurocirúrgicos/métodos , Gravidez , Microcirurgia/educação , Microcirurgia/métodos , Treinamento por Simulação/métodos , Neurocirurgia/educação , Internato e Residência/métodos , Competência ClínicaRESUMO
Simulation training is an educational tool that provides technical and cognitive proficiency in a risk-free environment. Several models have recently been presented in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). However, many of them were presented in non-indexed literature and not included in international reviews. This scoping review aims to describe the simulation models developed in LAC for neurosurgery training. Specifically, it focuses on assessing the models developed in LAC, the simulated neurosurgical procedures, the model's manufacturing costs, and the translational outcomes. Simulation models developed in LAC were considered, with no language or time restriction. Cadaveric, ex vivo, animal, synthetic, and virtual/augmented reality models were included for cranial and spinal procedures. We conducted a review according to the PRISMA-ScR, including international and regional reports from indexed and non-indexed literature. Two independent reviewers screened articles. Conflicts were resolved by a third reviewer using Covidence software. We collected data regarding the country of origin, recreated procedure, type of model, model validity, and manufacturing costs. Upon screening 917 studies, 69 models were developed in LAC. Most of them were developed in Brazil (49.28%). The most common procedures were related to general neurosurgery (20.29%), spine (17.39%), and ventricular neuroendoscopy and cerebrovascular (15.94% both). Synthetic models were the most frequent ones (38.98%). The manufacturing cost ranged from 4.00 to 2005.00 US Dollars. To our knowledge, this is the first scoping review about simulation models in LAC, setting the basis for future research studies. It depicts an increasing number of simulation models in the region, allowing a wide range of neurosurgical training in a resource-limited setting.
Assuntos
Neuroendoscopia , Neurocirurgia , Animais , Humanos , América Latina , Procedimentos Neurocirúrgicos/educação , Neurocirurgia/educação , Região do CaribeRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a significant disease burden worldwide. It is imperative to improve neurosurgeons' training during and after their medical residency with appropriate neurotrauma competencies. Unfortunately, the development of these competencies during neurosurgeons' careers and in daily practice is very heterogeneous. This article aimed to describe the development and evaluation of a competency-based international course curriculum designed to address a broad spectrum of needs for taking care of patients with neurotrauma with basic and advanced interventions in different scenarios around the world. METHODS: A committee of 5 academic neurosurgeons was involved in the task of building this course curriculum. The process started with the identification of the problems to be addressed and the subsequent performance needed. After this, competencies were defined. In the final phase, educational activities were designed to achieve the intended learning outcomes. In the end, the entire process resulted in competency and outcomes-based education strategy, including a definition of all learning activities and learning outcomes (curriculum), that can be integrated with a faculty development process, including training. Further development was completed by 4 additional academic neurosurgeons supported by a curriculum developer specialist and a project manager. After the development of the course curriculum, template programs were developed with core and optional content defined for implementation and evaluation. RESULTS: The content of the course curriculum is divided into essentials and advanced concepts and interventions in neurotrauma care. A mixed sample of 1583 neurosurgeons and neurosurgery residents attending 36 continuing medical education activities in 30 different cities around the world evaluated the course. The average satisfaction was 97%. The average usefulness score was 4.2, according to the Likert scale. CONCLUSIONS: An international competency-based course curriculum is an option for creating a well-accepted neurotrauma educational process designed to address a broad spectrum of needs that a neurotrauma practitioner faces during the basic and advanced care of patients in different regions of the world. This process may also be applied to other areas of the neurosurgical knowledge spectrum. Moreover, this process allows worldwide standardization of knowledge requirements and competencies, such that training may be better benchmarked between countries regardless of their income level.
Assuntos
Internato e Residência/estatística & dados numéricos , Neurocirurgiões/educação , Neurocirurgia/educação , Procedimentos Neurocirúrgicos/educação , Currículo/estatística & dados numéricos , Educação Médica Continuada/estatística & dados numéricos , HumanosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The need for neurosurgical care across the globe remains a public health issue. The creation of sustainable neurological surgery departments and training programs will be indispensable in alleviating the burden of neurological disease in low to middle income countries (LMICs). METHODS: We reviewed the history of the neurological surgery department and residency program of Santarém in the state of Pará, Brazil, from 1999 to the present. We have described the epidemiology unique to the region and provided evidence of a sustainable practice in a LMIC. The challenges, limitations, and resources were explored. RESULTS: We have provided a historical vignette of the evolution of neurological surgery in the Brazilian Amazon, including the creation of a sustainable neurological surgery practice and accredited residency program. In addition, we assessed the neurological surgery burden and epidemiology unique to the region, with an emphasis on the community and indigenous health in this remote area. We also explored the future directions of this example, which could affect the international neurological surgery community. CONCLUSION: A sustainable neurosurgery practice and training program is possible in a LMIC. Training neurosurgeons in developing regions of LMICs is a sustainable method to decrease the morbidity and mortality of neurological diseases and prevent the misdistribution of physicians in a country. We encourage adaptation of sustainable neurological surgery practices in similar regions across the world to increase access to necessary neurosurgical care.
Assuntos
Internato e Residência , Neurocirurgiões , Neurocirurgia , Procedimentos Neurocirúrgicos/educação , Brasil , Países em Desenvolvimento , Saúde Global/educação , Humanos , Internato e Residência/estatística & dados numéricos , Neurocirurgiões/estatística & dados numéricos , Saúde PúblicaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: by using a 3D printer, to create a low-cost human chest cavity simulator that allows the reproduction of the closed chest drainage technique (CCD), comparing its effectiveness with that of the animal model. METHODS: it was made a 3D printing of the bony framework of a human thorax from a chest computerized tomography scan. After printing the ribs, we performed tests with several materials that contributed to form the simulation of the thoracic cavity and pleura. An experimental, randomized, and controlled study, comparing the efficacy of the simulator to the efficacy of the animal model, was then carried out in the teaching of CCD technique for medical students, who were divided into two groups: animal model group and simulator model group, that trained CCD technique in animals and in the simulator model, respectively. RESULTS: the chest reconstruction required anatomical knowledge for tomography analysis and for faithful 3D surface editing. There was no significant difference in the safety of performing the procedure in both groups (7.61 vs. 7.73; p=0.398). A higher score was observed in the simulator model group for "use as didactic material" and "learning of the chest drainage technique", when compared to the animal model group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: the final cost for producing the model was lower than that of a commercial simulator, what demonstrates the feasibility of using 3D printing for this purpose. In addition, the developed simulator was shown to be equivalent to the animal model in relation to the simulation of the drainage technique for practical learning, and there was preference for the simulator model as didactic material.
OBJETIVO: criar, em impressora 3D, um simulador de baixo custo de caixa torácica humana que permita a reprodução da técnica de drenagem fechada de tórax (DFT) comparando sua eficácia com a do modelo animal. MÉTODOS: foi realizada impressão 3D do arcabouço ósseo de um tórax humano a partir de uma tomografia de tórax. Após a impressão das costelas, foram realizados testes com diversos materiais que contribuíram para formar a simulação da caixa torácica e da pleura. Foi, então, realizado um estudo experimental, randomizado e controlado comparando sua eficácia ao modelo animal no ensino da DFT para estudantes de medicina, que foram divididos em dois grupos: Grupo Modelo Animal e Grupo Modelo Simulador, que treinaram DFT em animais e no modelo simulador, respectivamente. RESULTADOS: a reconstrução do tórax exigiu o conhecimento anatômico para análise da tomografia e para edição fiel da superfície 3D. Não houve diferença significativa quanto à segurança de realizar o procedimento entre os grupos (7,61 vs. 7,73; p=0,398). Foi observada maior pontuação no grupo modelo simulador para uso como material didático e aprendizado da técnica de drenagem torácica quando comparado ao grupo modelo animal (p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: o custo final para a confecção do modelo foi inferior ao de um simulador comercial, o que demonstra a viabilidade do uso da impressão 3D para esse fim. Além disso, o simulador desenvolvido se mostrou equivalente ao modelo animal quanto à simulação da técnica de drenagem para aprendizado prático e houve preferência pelo modelo simulador como material didático.
Assuntos
Tubos Torácicos , Desenho Assistido por Computador/instrumentação , Educação Médica/métodos , Desenho de Equipamento/instrumentação , Modelos Anatômicos , Procedimentos Neurocirúrgicos/educação , Procedimentos Neurocirúrgicos/instrumentação , Treinamento por Simulação/métodos , Adulto , Competência Clínica , Simulação por Computador , Desenho Assistido por Computador/economia , Custos e Análise de Custo , Educação Médica/economia , Desenho de Equipamento/economia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Procedimentos Neurocirúrgicos/economia , Médicos , Treinamento por Simulação/economia , Estudantes de Medicina , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Although Africa accounts for 15% of the global volume of neurosurgical disease, African hospitals and health care networks have access to <1% of the neurosurgeon community. Health care and neurosurgical care are particularly scarce in sub-Saharan Africa due to long periods of imperialism, civil war, poverty, and famines that have plagued the area. METHODS: We provide a historical perspective and initial experience of the development of neurosurgery in Angola. RESULTS: The Republic of Angola has the seventh largest territory in Africa and a population of approximately 29 million people; however, it has a severe deficit of neurosurgery specialists. Between 1975 and 2012, only 5 neurosurgeons practiced in the country. We report the initial experience of the first Angolan physician who completed a full neurosurgical residency in Brazil through the Hospital das Clínicas-University of São Paulo Medical School international medical training program. The challenges of fulfilling the need for neurosurgical services and the future perspectives of building a sustainable program in Angola are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Partnerships between developing countries and sub-Saharan African countries may be the starting point in supplying neurosurgical specialists to the countries in need.
Assuntos
Internato e Residência , Neurocirurgiões/educação , Neurocirurgia/educação , Angola , Brasil , Fortalecimento Institucional , Humanos , Masculino , Procedimentos Neurocirúrgicos/educaçãoRESUMO
RESUMO Objetivo: criar, em impressora 3D, um simulador de baixo custo de caixa torácica humana que permita a reprodução da técnica de drenagem fechada de tórax (DFT) comparando sua eficácia com a do modelo animal. Métodos: foi realizada impressão 3D do arcabouço ósseo de um tórax humano a partir de uma tomografia de tórax. Após a impressão das costelas, foram realizados testes com diversos materiais que contribuíram para formar a simulação da caixa torácica e da pleura. Foi, então, realizado um estudo experimental, randomizado e controlado comparando sua eficácia ao modelo animal no ensino da DFT para estudantes de medicina, que foram divididos em dois grupos: Grupo Modelo Animal e Grupo Modelo Simulador, que treinaram DFT em animais e no modelo simulador, respectivamente. Resultados: a reconstrução do tórax exigiu o conhecimento anatômico para análise da tomografia e para edição fiel da superfície 3D. Não houve diferença significativa quanto à segurança de realizar o procedimento entre os grupos (7,61 vs. 7,73; p=0,398). Foi observada maior pontuação no grupo modelo simulador para uso como material didático e aprendizado da técnica de drenagem torácica quando comparado ao grupo modelo animal (p<0,05). Conclusão: o custo final para a confecção do modelo foi inferior ao de um simulador comercial, o que demonstra a viabilidade do uso da impressão 3D para esse fim. Além disso, o simulador desenvolvido se mostrou equivalente ao modelo animal quanto à simulação da técnica de drenagem para aprendizado prático e houve preferência pelo modelo simulador como material didático.
ABSTRACT Objective: by using a 3D printer, to create a low-cost human chest cavity simulator that allows the reproduction of the closed chest drainage technique (CCD), comparing its effectiveness with that of the animal model. Methods: it was made a 3D printing of the bony framework of a human thorax from a chest computerized tomography scan. After printing the ribs, we performed tests with several materials that contributed to form the simulation of the thoracic cavity and pleura. An experimental, randomized, and controlled study, comparing the efficacy of the simulator to the efficacy of the animal model, was then carried out in the teaching of CCD technique for medical students, who were divided into two groups: animal model group and simulator model group, that trained CCD technique in animals and in the simulator model, respectively. Results: the chest reconstruction required anatomical knowledge for tomography analysis and for faithful 3D surface editing. There was no significant difference in the safety of performing the procedure in both groups (7.61 vs. 7.73; p=0.398). A higher score was observed in the simulator model group for "use as didactic material" and "learning of the chest drainage technique", when compared to the animal model group (p<0.05). Conclusion: the final cost for producing the model was lower than that of a commercial simulator, what demonstrates the feasibility of using 3D printing for this purpose. In addition, the developed simulator was shown to be equivalent to the animal model in relation to the simulation of the drainage technique for practical learning, and there was preference for the simulator model as didactic material.
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Adulto , Adulto Jovem , Tubos Torácicos , Desenho Assistido por Computador/instrumentação , Procedimentos Neurocirúrgicos/educação , Procedimentos Neurocirúrgicos/instrumentação , Educação Médica/métodos , Desenho de Equipamento/instrumentação , Treinamento por Simulação/métodos , Modelos Anatômicos , Médicos , Estudantes de Medicina , Simulação por Computador , Competência Clínica , Desenho Assistido por Computador/economia , Procedimentos Neurocirúrgicos/economia , Custos e Análise de Custo , Educação Médica/economia , Desenho de Equipamento/economia , Treinamento por Simulação/economiaRESUMO
OBJETIVOS: Testar uma nova ferramenta para educação neurocirúrgica, um "quebra-cabeça" para simular a correção cirúrgica de craniossinostose (especificamente escafocefalia), usando a técnica "H" de Renier. MÉTODOS: O modelo do crânio foi criado por meio da obtenção de imagens de tomografia computadorizada multi slice (camadas de 1mm) no formato Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM). Essas imagens foram então processadas usando um algoritmo computadorizado para gerar um modelo tridimensional em resina. O quebra-cabeça e suas possibilidades de treinamento foram avaliados qualitativamente por uma equipe de neurocirurgiões especialistas. Após, os especialistas avaliaram a aplicação da ferramenta para residentes em neurocirurgia e os residentes também avaliaram a experiência. RESULTADOS: Participaram da avaliação cinco especialistas neurocirurgiões e 10 residentes em neurocirurgia. Todos consideraram a ferramenta positiva para o treinamento proposto. Os especialistas fizeram observações sobre o quanto o modelo pode ser interessante por instigar a compreensão dos porquês das etapas cirúrgicas e como atuar em cada uma delas. Segundo a percepção dos especialistas, após o uso do modelo os residentes apresentaram melhor clareza na visualização tridimensional do passo a passo, indiretamente auxiliando na compreensão da técnica cirúrgica. Além disso, ressaltaram uma notável redução de erros a cada tentativa de montagem do quebra-cabeça. Os residentes consideraram ser um método de ensino que torna a avaliação objetiva e clara. Entre os entrevistados, a nota fornecida ao simulador teve média de 9,9. CONCLUSÕES: O quebra-cabeça em formato de crânio mostrou-se uma ferramenta complementar para o ensino, que permite diferentes graus de imersão e realismo. Fornece uma noção de realidade física, oferecendo informações simbólicas, geométricas e dinâmicas, com rica visualização tridimensional. O uso do simulador pode, potencialmente, abreviar e melhorar a curva de aprendizado dos neurocirurgiões, de uma forma segura.
AIMS: To test a new tool for neurosurgical education, a "puzzle" to simulate the craniosynostosis surgical correction (specifically scaphocephaly) using Renier's "H" technique. METHODS: The cranial model was created by obtaining images through a multi slice (1 mm) CT scan in the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) format. This information was then processed using a computing algorithm to generate a three-dimensional biomodel in resine (performed on a computer or via computer simulation). The puzzle and its training possibilities were evaluated qualitatively by a team of expert neurosurgeons. Subsequently the experts evaluated the application of the tool for residents in neurosurgery, and the residents also evaluated the experience. RESULTS: Five experts neurosurgeons and 10 neurosurgery residents participated in the evaluation. All considered the tool positive for the proposed training. The experts have commented on how interesting the model may be by instigating the understanding of the reasons for each surgical step and how to act in them. According to the experts perceptions, the residents presented better clarity in the three-dimensional visualization of the step by step, indirectly aiding in the understanding of the surgical technique. In addition, they noted a notable reduction of errors with each attempt to assemble the puzzle. Residents considered it to be a teaching method that makes assessment objective and clear. Among the interviewers, 9,9 was the averaged note given to the simulator. CONCLUSIONS: The puzzle in cranial shape can be a complementary tool, allowing varying degrees of immersion and realism. It provides a notion of physical reality, offering symbolic, geometric and dynamic information, with rich tridimensional visualization. The simulator use may potentially improve and abbreviate the surgeons learning curve, in a safe manner.
Assuntos
Procedimentos Neurocirúrgicos/educação , Neurocirurgia/instrumentação , Estudos Prospectivos , Equipamentos e Provisões , Treinamento por Simulação/métodos , Estudo de Prova de Conceito , Corpo Clínico Hospitalar/educaçãoRESUMO
Surgical disease has recently become recognized as an important determinant of global health. Pediatric neurosurgery has generally been neglected in international surgical initiatives. In Haiti, the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, neurosurgical needs are currently unmet. Project Medishare and Haiti Healthy Kids have treated more than 1400 children with hydrocephalus and congenital disorders for a 10-year period. To develop a sustainable model for improved neurosurgical health, a neurosurgical training program is currently being developed and implemented.
Assuntos
Necessidades e Demandas de Serviços de Saúde/organização & administração , Neurocirurgia/educação , Procedimentos Neurocirúrgicos/educação , Criança , Haiti , HumanosRESUMO
PURPOSE: This paper proposes a practical model of microneurosurgical training using a nonliving swine head. METHODS: Fresh porcine heads were obtained from butchery and dissected at our Laboratory of Microsurgery. Brain and skull base surgery were trained under microscopic magnification. RESULTS: Several neurosurgical procedures could be simulated in the nonliving pig model, including transcallosal approach to the lateral ventricle, lateral sulcus and middle fossa dissection, and posterior fossa surgery. CONCLUSION: The swine model perfectly simulates standard microneurosurgical procedures, and is a useful tool for developing and refining surgical skills.
Assuntos
Encéfalo/cirurgia , Microcirurgia/educação , Modelos Animais , Procedimentos Neurocirúrgicos/educação , Animais , Competência Clínica , Dissecação/educação , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , SuínosRESUMO
PURPOSE: This paper proposes a practical model of microneurosurgical training using a nonliving swine head. METHODS: Fresh porcine heads were obtained from butchery and dissected at our Laboratory of Microsurgery. Brain and skull base surgery were trained under microscopic magnification. RESULTS: Several neurosurgical procedures could be simulated in the nonliving pig model, including transcallosal approach to the lateral ventricle, lateral sulcus and middle fossa dissection, and posterior fossa surgery. CONCLUSION: The swine model perfectly simulates standard microneurosurgical procedures, and is a useful tool for developing and refining surgical skills. .
Assuntos
Animais , Encéfalo/cirurgia , Modelos Animais , Microcirurgia/educação , Procedimentos Neurocirúrgicos/educação , Competência Clínica , Dissecação/educação , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , SuínosAssuntos
Países em Desenvolvimento , Educação Médica Continuada/tendências , Intercâmbio Educacional Internacional/tendências , Neurocirurgia/educação , Voluntários , Educação Médica , Educação Médica Continuada/métodos , Recursos em Saúde/tendências , História do Século XXI , Humanos , Índia , Área Carente de Assistência Médica , Medicina/métodos , Neurocirurgia/métodos , Procedimentos Neurocirúrgicos/educação , Procedimentos Neurocirúrgicos/métodos , Peru , EspecializaçãoRESUMO
Este estudo objetivou fornecer orientações pré-operatórias aos familiares de pacientes cirúrgicos neurológicos acerca das possíveis complicações pós-operatórias. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório-descritivo, de abordagem qualitativa, desenvolvido numa instituição de grande porte do interior do Rio Grande do Sul no período de março/2003 a julho/2004. Os dados foram coletados através de entrevista semi-estruturada e analisados segundo a temática. Identificaram-se três categorias: importância das orientações: da sensação de pavor à segurança; utilização das orientações: do reduzir a ansiedade à tranqüilidade; adequação das orientações: de esclarecedoras até superar as expectativas. Com os resultados obtidos evidenciou-se a real importância das orientações pré-operatórias, reduzindo a ansiedade dos familiares e proporcionando-lhes tranqüilidade e segurança.
Assuntos
Humanos , Complicações Pós-Operatórias , Cuidados Pré-Operatórios , Família , Procedimentos Neurocirúrgicos/educaçãoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Trigeminal neuralgia is a common cause of facial pain, characterized by shock-like pain affecting one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve. When conservative treatment fails and microdecompression is not indicated, percutaneous procedures are helpful. This percutaneous approach is done by a puncture up to the Gasserian ganglion, through the foramen ovale. Although simple and safe, this puncture demands some expertise from neurosurgeons. For that, a partnership between neurosurgeons and bio-engineers has developed a model for foramen ovale puncture, allowing practice for residents and young neurosurgeons. METHOD: A model for foramen ovale puncture has been created by interposition of synthetic materials over a skull, simulating the human face. FINDINGS: This model has shown great similarity with that found in conventional surgeries, even upon repeated testing by experienced functional neurosurgeons and young residents. CONCLUSION: This model for foramen ovale puncture training has demonstrated valuable help for initial practicing of this common neurosurgical procedure, particularly in centers where there are not many cadavers available for training.