title: Advanced da Vinci Surgical System simulator for surgeon training and operation planning.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although patients benefit considerably from minimally invasive surgery, the use of new instruments such as robotic systems is challenging for surgeons, and extensive training is required.
  
  
  METHODS
  We developed a computer-based simulator of the da Vinci Surgical System, modelling the robot and designing a new interface.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The simulator offers users a two-handed interface to control a realistic model of the da Vinci robot. The simulator can be applied (i) to provide an environment in which to practice simple surgical skills and (ii) to serve as a visualization platform on which to validate port placement and robot pose for operation planning.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Virtual reality is a useful technique for medical training. The simulator is currently in its early stages, but this preliminary work is promising.
authors.affiliation: Minimally Invasive Surgical Skills Centre, Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, People's Republic of China. mikesun@surgery.cuhk.edu.hk
authors.forename: L W
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Van Meer
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schmid
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Bailly
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Thakre
authors.forename: C K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Yeung
mesh_terms: D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D017753:Ecosystem; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D012371:Robotics / Q000193:education* / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000193:education* / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014584:User-Computer Interface