IngentaConnect Assessment of Simulated Surgical Skills in Parabolic Microgravity

Authors: Rafiq, Azhar; Broderick, Timothy J.; Williams, David R.; Doarn, Charles R.; Jones, Jeffrey A.; Merrell, Ronald C.

Source: Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, Volume 76, Number 4, April 2005 , pp. 385-391(7)

Publisher: Aerospace Medical Association

Abstract:

Rafiq A, Broderick TJ, Williams DR, Doarn CR, Jones JA, Merrell RC. Assessment of simulated surgical skills in parabolic microgravity. Aviat Space Environ Med 2005; 76:385–391.

Background: During spaceflight crew health is paramount in the success of flight missions. The delivery of healthcare during flight requires crew readiness for medical and surgical response. Methods: There were 20 participants who were evaluated for accurate performance of 4 basic laparoscopic surgical skills (clip applying, cutting, grasping, and suturing) during parabolic weightlessness using an inanimate workstation aboard the NASA KC-135 aircraft. Results: Data indicate that motor skill performance decreased within the parabolic microgravity flight environment. Performance in parabolic microgravity flight included futile effort with an increase in number of tasks attempted and a decrease in tasks completed successfully. Conclusions: There is a decreased frequency of accurate task completion in parabolic microgravity flight, but it is not an obstacle to implementation of effective training for providing in-flight medical care. The data reveal that individuals perform basic laparoscopic surgical simulation with greater effort in microgravity following simulation training.