Haptic surgical simulators with augmented reality

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This NSERC Engage is the first collaboration between the Principal Investigator, David Wang, and Christie Medical. This work will focus on extending previous research at the University of Waterloo in the area of haptic surgical simulators to include augmented reality via projection technology from Christie Medical. This will increase the realism of the training simulator. The particular surgical procedure that was the focus of previous research at the University of Waterloo is spinal fixation for scoliosis spine disorder. The surgeon operates primarily by the sense of touch or haptics, exerting tremendous forces but simultaneously needing fine touch sensations to avoid dangerous scenarios such as breaching the pedicle wall and harming the patient. An alternative to training in the operating room on an actual patient is critical and the haptic simulator developed at the University of Waterloo has shown great promise. Christie Medical is exploring new applications for its projection technologies. Many medical applications include a haptic component but Christie Medical does not have this expertise. This proposed project would allow Christie Medical to evaluate their technology integrated with the haptic surgical simulator for medical training scenarios. If successful, the flexibility of an augmented reality haptic simulator would allow this technology to be applied to many medical and dental procedures where training prior to working with patients would be beneficial. For Christie Medical, this would create new market opportunities and it is expected that this initial joint work will expand into future collaborative opportunities with the University of Waterloo.