Virtual reality surgical simulation for lower urinary tract endoscopy and procedures.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a realistic experience of lower urinary tract endoscopic procedures, we have developed and continue to expand a computer-based surgical simulator that incorporates a surgical tool interface with anatomic detail and haptic feedback.


METHODS
Surface-based geometric data for the lower urinary tract were generated from the National Library of Medicine Visible Human dataset. The three-dimensional texture map of the surface geometry was developed from recorded endoscopic video procedures. Geometry and associated texture maps were rendered in real time using the Silicon Graphics Extreme Impacts program. The surgical interface device incorporated all normal ranges of motion and resistance that occur within an actual operative environment. The hands-on endoscopic device attached to the interface device was provided by Circon-ACMI, Inc. Urologic residents evaluated the program for correlation with actual endoscopic procedures.


RESULTS
Texture-mapped digitized images provided a close anatomic similarity to actual videoendoscopic images. Virtual endoscopy of the lower urinary tract was reproducible and closely simulated actual visual and tactile endoscopic experience.


CONCLUSIONS
Virtual reality surgical simulation is feasible for a variety of lower urinary tract procedures. This system coordinates visual perception with appropriate haptic feedback in both longitudinal and rotational axes. These types of procedures may be incorporated into future educational experiences for urologists to introduce new techniques and to provide documentation of surgical experience.
Manyak
Michael J
MJ
Department of Urology, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20037, USA.
Santangelo
Kristin
K
Hahn
James
J
Kaufman
Roger
R
Carleton
Thurston
T
Hua
Xing Cheng
XC
Walsh
Raymond J
RJ
D000328:Adult; D019412:Anatomy, Cross-Sectional / Q000193:education*; D016287:Computer Peripherals; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004724:Endoscopy; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D014551:Urinary Tract / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D013520:Urologic Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education*; D014572:Urology / Q000193:education; D014584:User-Computer Interface