Surgical simulation is the use of interactive virtual environments to model surgical procedures for training, planning and assessment. It combines real-time graphics, deformable tissue modelling, collision detection and haptic feedback to recreate the visual and tactile experience of operating. Surgical simulators allow clinicians to rehearse techniques and acquire skills without risk to patients.
Overview
- Surgical simulators integrate biomechanical tissue models with high-frame-rate rendering and force-feedback devices so that trainees feel realistic resistance as they cut, suture and manipulate anatomy. Patient-specific models derived from medical imaging support preoperative rehearsal of complex cases.
Mechanisms
- Deformable soft-tissue and biomechanical modelling
- Real-time collision detection between instruments and anatomy
- Haptic and force feedback for tactile realism
- Patient-specific models built from medical imaging
- Performance metrics for objective skills assessment
Applications
- Training and credentialing of surgeons
- Preoperative planning and rehearsal of complex cases
- Minimally invasive and robotic surgery practice
- Assessment of psychomotor surgical skills