Advanced training methods using an Augmented Reality ultrasound simulator

Ultrasound (US) is a medical imaging modality which is extremely difficult to learn as it is user-dependent, has low image quality and many artifacts that depend on the viewing direction. Learning how to correctly place the US probe requires deep understanding of human anatomy, an excellent spatial sense and knowledge about the US image formation process. We present an Augmented Reality (AR) ultrasound simulator where an US probe is tracked and the corresponding US images are generated from a CT volume by simulating the image formation process of US. Using a head mounted display we show the simulated US slice registered to a phantom. For better depth perception we use contextual in-situ visualization. Advanced training methods using AR based after action review are presented, where the performance of a trainee and an expert is recorded and synchronized in time. A simultaneous replay of both allows the student to analyze differences in detail. Thanks to in-situ presentation of importa...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2009
• Where: ISMAR
• Authors: Tobias Blum, Sandro Michael Heining, Oliver Kutter, Nassir Navab
• Keywords: Augmented Reality, Contextual In-situ Visualization, Corresponding Us Images, Image Formation Process, ISMAR 2009