title: Novel virtual Lap-Band simulator could promote patient safety.
abstract: This paper presents, for the first time, a physics-based modeling technique for the Lap-Band (Inamed Health) used in laparoscopic gastric banding (LAGB) operations for treating the morbidly obese. A virtual LAGB simulator can help train medical students as well as surgeons who embark at learning this relatively new operation. The Lap-Band has different thickness and curvature along the centerline, and therefore leads to different deformation behaviors. A hybrid modeling strategy is therefore adopted to successfully replicate its dynamics. A mass-spring model, used to model the less stiff part, is coupled to a quasi-static articulated link model for the more stiff and inextensible part. The virtual Lap-Band model has been implemented into a complete graphics-haptics-physics-based system with two PHANToM Omni devices (from Sensible Technologies) being used for real-time bimanual interaction with force feedback.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA. des@rpi.edu
authors.forename: Suvranu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: De
authors.forename: Woojin
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Ahn
authors.forename: Doo Yong
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Daniel B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D014481:United States; D014584:User-Computer Interface