Virtual Reality Surgery Simulator
Wired for Good : Lifesaving VR
Too often , women in developing countries die of cervical cancer because there aren ’ t enough surgeons trained to perform a lifesaving surgery . But a low-cost surgery simulation developed by a team of researchers from SMU ( including SMU Guildhall faculty member Boris Fisher ), UNC School of Medicine , and King ’ s College London has the potential to change that .
The VR Surgery Simulator was designed to reduce surgeon training costs through the combination of virtual reality simulation training using Oculus hardware , with remote surgeon by half . Similarly , studies have shown that VRtrained surgeons are much less likely to make errors than those who have completed standard training only . real-time supervision of surgical trainees . When combined with clinical training , virtual reality technology has the potential to significantly reduce the time and cost of achieving surgical proficiency in resource-constrained settings .
The simulation starts in a virtual training room with guidance to help the trainee become comfortable working in a virtual environment . The VRSS trainee wears an Oculus Rift headset and holds an Oculus Touch wireless hand controller in each hand . On screen , the trainee is
Virtual Reality is a low-cost , scalable solution . The Virtual Reality Surgery Simulator ( VRSS ) project utilizes inexpensive , off-the-shelf virtual reality ( VR ) equipment designed for use with video games , resulting in a total cost of less than $ 2,000 USD per unit . The low cost of this
represented by an avatar , whose hands , only , are visible . Once the trainee is comfortable , the simulation transitions to a basic operating room environment , featuring an operating table with a tray of instruments and a virtual patient prepared for surgery . technology makes it feasible to install surgery simulators in medical training facilities that could not previously afford them , thereby reducing the per-surgeon cost of surgical training and increasing the availability of trained surgeons in low-resource settings . VR surgery training aspires to create “ pre-trained novices ” who have mastered the psycho-motor skills , sensory acuity , and — to a lesser
The simulation begins at the point in the surgery where the key procedures for the training begin . Visual instructions are provided on a virtual monitor , and audio feedback is provided to reinforce procedural knowledge by guiding users through the steps . The headset view of each VR training session is recorded for review and reflection . extent — cognitive planning of surgical tasks . Studies have shown that VR training can reduce training time needed for a novice to reach the skill level of an intermediately skilled
31