A novel remote hands-on training for neuroendovascular-based treatment in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has demanded a change in learning modalities, which led us to develop a remote personal training system for clinicians performing neuroendovascular procedures. A portable vascular model designed for practicing catheter navigation guidance, thrombus retrieval, and intracranial aneurysm coil embolisation was established. We created an environment that enabled interactive dialogue and communication across long distances using the Internet. The instructor conducted approximately 2 h of hands-on training with two to four trainees at a time. Despite the restrictions enforced by the Government of Japan due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 17 online hands-on training were successfully conducted throughout Japan over 1 year for a total of 48 trainees. The developed remote training programme, to avoid the aggregation of a large number of trainees at a developed time, proved to be at par with the conventional learning system. The training was well-received since the operation time was longer and the question and answer sessions were more fulfilling compared to the conventional format in which a group of trainees had got a brief opportunity to receive actual hands-on experience.