The Endoscopy AccuTouch Surgical Simulation System's Introduction to Colonscopy module contains realistic features such as red-out when the scope tip presses against the mucosa, stool on the lens, and paradoxical motion when in a loop. The module uses a colonoscope that looks, feels, and handles like a real scope, and six cases present progressively difficult anatomy and pathologies, enabling graduated learning. Didactic content covers embryologic, gross, and endoscopic anatomy. Step-by-step video tutorials show how to operate the colonoscope, conduct a complete examination, and
complete procedural preparation, from patient education through colon prep and premedication.

A thorough evaluation report is automatically generated every time a user proceeds through a case. All reports are stored in a password-protected database to provide user-specific documentation of training and competency. Items that are recorded include summary parameters such as total procedure time, maximum depth of scope insertion, colonic perforations, whether retroflexion was performed, percent of colonic mucosa visualized, degree of pain experienced by the patient, and whether excessive sedation was used. Additional metrics are also tracked, including details on scope handling and visualization parameters.

Training Objectives

Upon completion of the Introduction to Colonoscopy Module, users will be able to:

Describe the anatomy of the colon pertinent to colonoscopy
Demonstrate the operation of the colonoscope
Perform a simulated colonoscopy examination
Describe common colorectal lesions encountered
during colonoscopy
Discuss tips and techniques for overcoming
common problems

Realistic Educational Aids

The Endoscopy AccuTouch® System delivers realistic, procedure-based content for cognitive and motor skills training. The system consists of a PC, an interface device with interchangeable anatomy, proxy endoscopes, and software modules for a wide range of training scenarios. Introduction to Colonoscopy allows users to learn
basic scope handling techniques and how to negotiate loops and navigate through the entire colon. It includes several teaching tools:

Patients react vocally to the user’s actions, complaining of pain when appropriate.
Abdominal compression can be applied by the virtual assistant to the region where loop formation is suspected.
Patient positioning can be changed to aid in navigating flexures or loops.
Clinical tips are included for finding lumen and overcoming paradoxical motion.
Maneuvers for negotiating loops, including N-loops, alpha loops, and reversed alpha loops, are presented in split-screen animation format.
A Virtual Attending feature provides instructional feedback to the user during the procedure.