Pilot Evaluation Study of a Virtual Paracentesis Simulator for Skill Training and Assessment: The Beneficial Effect of Haptic Di

Effective, real-time training of health care professionals in invasive procedures is a challenging task. Furthermore, assessing in practice the acquisition of the dexterity and skills required to safely perform such operations is particularly difficult to perform objectively and reliably. The development of virtual reality (VR) simulators offers great potential toward these objectives, and can help bypass some of the difficulties associated with classical surgical training and assessment procedures. In this context, we have developed a prototype VR simulator platform for training in a class of invasive procedures, such as accessing central vessels. This paper focuses more particularly on a pilot study treating the specific application case of subclavian vein paracentesis. The simulation incorporates 3D models of all the human anatomy structures involved in this procedure, where collision detection and response algorithms are implemented to simulate most of the potential complications ...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2008
• Where: PRESENCE
• Authors: Costas S. Tzafestas, Kostas Birbas, Yiannis Koumpouros, Dimitris Christopoulos
• Keywords: Haptic Display, Invasive Procedures, Novice Users, PRESENCE 2008