“A Virtual Reality Surgical
Trainer for Navigation in Laparoscopic
Surgery” (Software)
Inventor: R. Haluck
PSU Invention Disclosure
Number 2000-2397
FIELD
OF INVENTION
Software
for robotic surgical instrument- Simulation Tools
Technology
Description
This virtual reality trainer is concerned with laparoscopic navigation and manipulation. This program in general would instruct students and surgeons in laparoscopic navigation, comprised of rotational maneuvering, visual targets along with a timer and an error scoring system. While most simulators developed for training laparoendoscopic surgery is task and spatial skill oriented, this proposal focuses on laparoscopic navigation, which is a crucial part of this surgical procedure. A surgeon must understand the manipulation of the camera or the laparoscope. This anticipated computer-based simulator could provide for a better understanding of the “camera lens system and more efficient navigation in the operating room.” Software modules contained in this system record the 3D motions of the user and rotate angles simultaneous to the student’s maneuvers of the adjoining system. Two groups of surgeons, novices and experts tested out the simulator and the results proved that this “endotower laparoscopic navigation simulator” accurately reproduced the optics and movements of a 30-degree angled lens. With improvement and advancement of tools and handles and portraying more clinical situations, this system can measure surgical skills and improve the overall performance of navigation in real life situations. The current invention is part of our laparoscopic surgery training system which would speed up the learning curve of surgeons, residents and medical students and greatly reduce liabilities and other costs associated with human errors during surgery. The time saving resulting from better training of medical staff would also translate into great cost savings for hospitals and HMOs.
Completed
Possible
Applications
Surgery.