NNI taps VR tech to train neurosurgeons

It aims to create over 100 virtual neurosurgeon training modules.

Textbooks are not enough to fully equip doctors and medical students in neurosurgery as training is crucial to allow them to make prompt decisions when complications occur in brain surgery. Unfortunately, the lack of training for doctors and students was exacerbated during border closures.

This is why Singapore's National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) partnered with Kyalio's platform in a bid to create virtual reality training modules for doctors from Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Africa to have a simulated experience during various neurosurgical procedures. 

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At least 100 neurosurgery training modules are being sought to be posted on the tech firm's platform. The modules will be accessed through an Oculus headset or a simple mobile VR viewer.

To date, the Kyalio platform includes training modules for "craniotomies (surgery to open up the skull), benign and malignant brain tumour resections as well as neurovascular and neurospine surgeries."

Also, cases previewed on the modules were treated by NNI neurosurgeons and captured by Kyalio, which assured that these cases have consent from the patients.

“Many countries have exponentially increased the output of new doctors but experienced doctors who lead training in these countries remain far fewer and training methods have to become ‘high yield’ in nature,” said Samuel Choo, the co-founder of Kyalio, in a joint statement.

The NNI, for its part, underscored that the VR training modules will resolve the shortage of neurosurgeons as well as the lack of hands-on experience amongst doctors and medical students amidst border restrictions.