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，现在有能力增加现实主义，特别是用于培训目的。本提案的重点是触觉视听环境（HAVEs）。特别的应用，将是本研究的重点是椎弓根螺钉插入纠正畸形特发性脊柱侧凸。这是一项高风险的手术，目前的培训要么是通过使用尸体（材料特性的变化和缺乏血压是一种障碍），要么是在实际的手术室里对活体患者进行的。外科医生使用徒手技术通过椎弓根挖出一条通道，以便插入螺钉，使脊柱可以机械拉直。HAVE环境将确保培训能够以现实的方式完成，而不会给患者带来风险。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，该模拟器将与儿童医院的专家、研究员和住院医生一起进行评估。一项较长期的研究将审查远程人工智能手术模拟器之间远程协作的可行性，这将允许培训偏远地区的医学专家。*******预期的结果将立即增加脊柱侧凸手术专家的数量。然而，人工智能设计的技术进步与许多其他医疗培训应用相关，因为人工智能可以在软件中完全重新编程，看起来像任何其他程序。在我们这个人口稀少的国家，远程协作能力可能是非常有益的。最后，将进行计算机图形学、音频处理、机电一体化和人为因素等跨学科技能的HQP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.***