The multimedia CD ROM: an innovative teaching tool for endoscopic sinus surgery.

The recent explosive growth in the use of endoscopic techniques in the performance of surgical procedures has created an important need for educational materials on this subject. However, limitations of currently available teaching tools frustrate the user and hamper the teaching and spread of these procedures. To improve on currently available methods, we developed a CD ROM video atlas of techniques in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The multimedia CD ROM video atlas combines the best features of the surgical atlas with conventional videotapes. The component steps of procedures in ESS are presented to the viewer as brief, individual video sequences, accompanied by narration and a text of the highlights of each procedure. The use of digital video allows the user to access the segment of interest directly, in the order of preference, without having to sift through the other segments, as with conventional videocassettes. An interface allows control over playback of the video, and sequences can be reviewed instantly. Storage capacity of the CD ROM allows up to 60 minutes of video to be stored on each disk. The CD ROM combines the best elements of currently available educational tools and may represent a new approach for medical education.