Computer Simulation of Ultrasound Guided Procedures

本项目旨在开发和评估一个基于计算机的系统，用于模拟介入放射学中超声引导的置针过程。在这样的程序中，通过皮肤将针插入患者体内，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波成像观察针头的进展情况。目前的培训体系是以学徒模式为基础的(在临床上被称为看一看一，做一，教一)。随着学员人数的增加，人们对这种模式感到担忧。拟议的系统(现有的、简单的模拟器的开发)将使用人体模型和基于真实扫描的患者数据的计算机生成的超声图像来模拟这些过程。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(使得它们类似于超声波机产生的真实图像)，ii)对由于针引起的身体内的变形进行建模，并在针上产生逼真的力，以及iii)产生用于实践的各种解剖和异常。从这样一个系统中获得的技能必须转化为实际操作。因此，将设计并实施一项技能获得评估。

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.