Virtually fail-safe surgery
Virtual reality (VR) computer simulations in the medical profession can help train surgeons and doctors in unprecedented ways. The perfect software programme, however, must draw on a number of disciplines from medicine to engineering in order to offer the versatility and learning experience required. The EU-funded 'VR surgical simulation for training: simulator design, optimisation and assessment' (VRsurgicalsimulation) project developed two training programmes in VR for knee and shoulder arthroscopy. The programmes were designed by experts in the field and marketed as a VR simulator under the name insightArthroVR. The project, involving 43 participants, was discussed in articles on the learning effect of VR shoulder and knee arthroscopy training. The VRsurgicalsimulation team tested the training programme and validated its use as a surgical simulator in medical school curricula. It worked closely with Collaborators in Radiological Interventional Virtual Environments (CRaIVE), a global interdisciplinary consortium of experts and organisations that help develop software algorithms to ensure more accurate VR simulation. In parallel, members of the project team worked on deformation and topology modification of human tissues, as well as algorithms to simulate ultrasound scanning among other issues. Next, the project published two reports focusing on virtual needle insertion and haptic (tactile) feedback technology. These reports and other publications, such as a book chapter on implementing VR in the health care sector, will promote cutting-edge advances in the field. The VRsurgicalsimulation project has the potential to guide upcoming surgeons to perfect their technique in a safe environment. The technology can be used for many other applications in medical surgery and bring with it a higher standard of health care.
