title: 3D force/torque characterization of emergency cricothyroidotomy procedure using an instrumented scalpel.
abstract: Emergency Cricothyroidotomy (CCT) is a surgical procedure performed to secure a patient's airway. This high-stakes, but seldom-performed procedure is an ideal candidate for a virtual reality simulator to enhance physician training. For the first time, this study characterizes the force/torque characteristics of the cricothyroidotomy procedure, to guide development of a virtual reality CCT simulator for use in medical training. We analyze the upper force and torque thresholds experienced at the human-scalpel interface. We then group individual surgical cuts based on style of cut and cut medium and perform a regression analysis to create two models that allow us to predict the style of cut performed and the cut medium.
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ryason
authors.forename: Ganesh
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sankaranarayanan
authors.forename: Kathryn L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Butler
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: DeMoya
authors.forename: Suvranu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: De
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D003413:Cricoid Cartilage / Q000601:surgery*; D004635:Emergency Medicine / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education*; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000601:surgery*; D019415:Torque