Computer Simulation of Ultrasound Guided Procedures

本计画旨在发展并评估一套以电脑为基础的系统，以模拟介入放射学中超声引导下的针头插入过程。在这种程序中，一根针通过皮肤插入病人体内，以便采集样本（活组织检查）、排出液体或插入各种治疗疾病的物品。放射科医生使用超声图像观察针的进展。目前的培训体系是基于学徒模式（在临床界被称为“看一个，做一个，教一个”）。随着学员人数的增加，这种模式令人担忧。提出的系统（一个现有的，简单的，模拟器的发展）将模拟这些过程，使用人体模型和计算机生成的超声图像，基于真实扫描的病人数据。这有可能在培训的早期阶段提高受训者的熟练程度（并降低患者的风险）。当前系统的发展包括；i)在超声图像中引入真实感（使其类似于超声机器产生的真实图像），ii)模拟由于针而在体内产生的变形，并在针上产生逼真的力，以及iii)生成各种解剖结构和异常以供练习。从这样一个系统中获得的技能转化为实际操作是至关重要的。因此，将设计并实施一项技能习得评估。

This project aims to develop and evaluate a computer based system for the simulation of ultrasound guided needle insertion procedures in interventional radiology. In such procedures a needle is inserted into a human patient through the skin in order to take a sample (biopsy), drain fluid, or insert various items for the treatment of disorders. The radiologist views the progress of the needle using ultrasound imagery. The current system of training is based around an apprenticeship model (known in clinical circles as see one, do one, teach one ). There is concern over this model with increasing numbers of trainees. The proposed system (a development of an existing, simple, simulator) would simulate these procedures using a mannequin and computer generated ultrasound images, based on real scanned patient data. This has the potential to increase the proficiency of trainees in the early stages of training (and reduce risk to patients). Developments of the current system include; i) Introducing realism in the ultrasound images (such that they are like the real images produced by an ultrasound machine), ii) Modelling the deformation within the body due to the needle, and generating realistic forces on the needle, and iii) Generating varied anatomies and abnormalities for practice. It is essential that the skills acquired from such a system translate to the actual operation. Hence, an evaluation of skill acquisition will be designed and carried out.