A tutorial platform suitable for surgical simulator training (SimMentor).
BACKGROUND
The introduction of simulators in surgical training entails the need to develop pedagogic platforms adapted to the potentials and limitations provided by the information technology. As a solution to the technical challenges in treating all possible interaction events and to obtain a suitable pedagogic approach, we have developed a pedagogic platform for surgical training, SimMentor.


METHODS
In SimMentor the procedure to be practiced is divided into a number of natural phases. The trainee will practice on one phase at a time, however he can select the sequence of phases arbitrarily. A phase is taught by letting the trainee alternate freely between 2 modes: 1: A 3-dimensional animated guidance designed for learning the objectives and challenges in a procedure. 2: An interactive training session through the instrument manipulator device designed for training motoric responses based on visual and tactile responses produced by the simulator. The two modes are interfaced with the same virtual reality platform, thus SimMentor allows a seamless transition between the modes.


RESULTS
We have developed a prototype simulator for robotic assisted endoscopic CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting) procedure by first focusing on the anastomosis part of the operation. Tissue, suture and instrument models have been developed and integrated with a simulated model of a beating heart comprises the elements in the simulator engine that is used in construction a training platform for learning different methods for performing a coronary anastomosis procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
The platform is designed for integrating the following features: 1) practical approach to handle interactivity events with flexible-objects 3D simulators, 2) methods for quantitative evaluations of performance, 3) didactic presentations, 4) effective ways of producing diversity of clinical and pathological training scenarios.
Interventional Centre, National Hospital, Rikshospitalet, N-0027 Oslo, Norway. j.s.rotnes@simsurgery.no
Jan Sigurd
JS
Røtnes
Johannes
J
Kaasa
Geir
G
Westgaard
Eivind Myrold
EM
Eriksen
Per Oyvind
PO
Hvidsten
Kyrre
K
Strøm
Vidar
V
Sørhus
Yvon
Y
Halbwachs
Einar
E
Haug
Morten
M
Grimnes
Hugues
H
Fontenelle
Tom
T
Ekeberg
Jan B
JB
Thomassen
Ole Jakob
OJ
Elle
Erik
E
Fosse
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000193:education; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000193:education; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000193:education; D005246:Feedback; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation; D012985:Software Design; D014110:Touch; D014584:User-Computer Interface