| Project Information |
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| The project was started in May 2002 with the intention of simulating a selection of neurosurgical procedures, such as deforming and cutting brain tissue with the eventual aim of constructing a neurosurgical training simulator. |
The need for a training simulator has never been more acute. There is an increasing need to replace or enhance on-the-job training with the obvious benefits of making the live operation safer. Standard surgical training consists of the acquisition of theoretical knowledge complemented with practical observation during surgery and, at a suitably advanced stage, performing the relevant procedures on real patients under appropriate supervision. Similarly, more experienced surgeons still require training to perform complex, non-routine operations. Also the potentially contradictory situation exists whereby patients obviously expect a high degree of expertise whereas clinical governance requires an established track record to be obtained before allowing surgeons to operate. |
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We have combined the principles of mathematical modelling coupled with computer graphics, user interface design and haptic feedback integration to construct a simulator that allows participants to deform, cut, seperate and feel a virtual brain model. |
We have also developed visualisation software that allows us to create three-dimensional models from medical image data which may subsequently be utilised within the simulator. |
Technical details are available from the publicity link. |
