SimLife?: A New Dynamic Model for Head and Neck Surgical Oncology Simulation

The SimLife (R) model consists in a human cadaver dynamized by pulsatile vascularization. The objective was to evaluate the face, contents, and constructs validity of the SimLife (R) model in head and neck surgical oncology simulation. Head and neck surgical oncology simulation sessions on SimLife (R) models were organized with lateral neck dissection and total laryngectomy. Face and contents validity were addressed by questionnaires. Constructs validity was assessed by objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) score. High realism was demonstrated for consistency of tissues (7.1 +/- 1.4), color of arteries and veins (7.3 +/- 1.9, 8.5 +/- 1.1, respectively), and vein consistency (8.5 +/- 1.2). The mean OSATS score was 19.7 +/- 5.4 for residents and 32.7 +/- 1.9 for senior surgeon (P = .0022). SimLife (R) is a hyperrealistic model for head and neck surgical oncology simulation and it might become a core component of the surgical resident curriculum.