Issues in Virtual Reality Simulators for Surgical Simulators

随着技术进步我们创造虚拟现实(VR)环境的能力，现在有了增加真实感的能力，特别是用于训练目的。该提案的重点是触觉视听环境(HAVE)。本研究的重点是椎弓根螺钉置入术矫正特发性脊柱侧弯畸形。这是一种高风险的手术，目前通过使用身体(材料特性的变化和血压的缺乏是一个障碍)或在活体病人的实际手术室中完成培训。外科医生使用徒手技术在椎弓根上挖出一条通道，以便插入螺钉，这样脊柱就可以机械地伸直。一个良好的环境将确保培训能够以现实的方式完成，而不会对患者造成风险。该提案将开发机器人执行器、控制策略、数字投影算法和音频功能，以创建一个VR模拟器，该模拟器将与专家、研究员和患病儿童医院的住院医生一起进行评估。一项更长期的研究将探讨远程HAS手术模拟器之间远程协作的可行性，这将允许在偏远地区培训医疗专家。预期结果将立即增加脊柱侧弯手术专家的数量。然而，HAD设计中的技术进步与许多其他医学培训应用相关，因为HAD可以完全在软件中重新编程，看起来像任何其他程序。在我们这个人口稀少的国家，远程协作能力可能会非常有益。最后，HQP将接受计算机图形学、音频处理、机电一体化和人为因素方面的交叉技能培训。*

As technology advances our ability to create Virtual Reality (VR) environments, there is now the capability of increasing realism, particularly for training purposes. The focus of this proposal is on Haptic Audio Visual Environments (HAVEs). The particular application that will be the focus of this study is pedicle screw insertion for correcting deformities in idiopathic scoliosis. This is a highly risky surgery which currently has training accomplished either through the use of cadavers (where the change in material properties and the lack of blood pressure is a hindrance) or in the actual operating room on a live patient. The surgeon digs a channel through the pedicle using a free-hand technique, in order to insert a screw so that the spine can be mechanically straightened. A HAVE environment would ensure that training could be accomplished in a realistic manner with no risk to a patient. This proposal will develop the robotic actuators, control strategies, digital projection algorithms and audio capabilities to create a VR simulator which will be evaluated in conjunction with experts, fellows and residents at Sick Children's Hospital. A longer term study will examine the feasibility of tele-collaboration between remote HAVE surgical simulators, which will allow the training of medical specialists in remote regions.*******The anticipated outcomes will immediately increase the number of experts for scoliosis surgery. The technological advances in HAVE design are, however, relevant to many other medical training applications, since a HAVE can be reprogrammed entirely in software to look like any other procedure. The tele-collaboration capabilities could be very beneficial in our sparsely populated nation. Finally, there will be the training of HQP with interdisciplinary skills of computer graphics, audio processing, mechatronics and human factors.***