Quantitative assessment of learning process from EEG and ECG signals during training in laparoscopic surgery using a simulator

Abstract

ABSTRACT : Laparoscopic surgery has become the first option to perform procedures that involve abdominal cavity. This minimally invasive technique requires the surgeon to acquire special skills and abilities to work without tactile and depth perception. Therefore, surgeons training has been taken out of the operating room to laboratories with the use of instruments such as training boxes, videos and simulators. Of the above, virtual reality simulators have become an important part of training and have shown to improve the performance of residents in operating room. The assessment of resident training involves several aspects including skill acquisition, interaction with instrumental and cognitive assessment. Of all aspects to be evaluated, one of those that have not been approached in an effective way, because it does not include quantitative strategies, is the cognitive evaluation throughout learning process. Analysis of neurophysiological signals such as electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG) allows to evaluate the cognitive state under which the subject is performing an activity. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in a wide range of applications ranging from the evaluation of performance during a task execution, to training in flight simulators and air traffic controllers. This doctoral thesis it is proposed to obtain quantitative information about changes in the EEG and ECG signals associated with learning progress throughout the training period in general surgery residents.