Virtual reality cerebral aneurysm clipping simulation with real-time haptic feedback. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • BACKGROUND: With the decrease in the number of cerebral aneurysms treated surgically and the increase of complexity of those treated surgically, there is a need for simulation-based tools to teach future neurosurgeons the operative techniques of aneurysm clipping. OBJECTIVE: To develop and evaluate the usefulness of a new haptic-based virtual reality simulator in the training of neurosurgical residents. METHODS: A real-time sensory haptic feedback virtual reality aneurysm clipping simulator was developed using the ImmersiveTouch platform. A prototype middle cerebral artery aneurysm simulation was created from a computed tomographic angiogram. Aneurysm and vessel volume deformation and haptic feedback are provided in a 3-dimensional immersive virtual reality environment. Intraoperative aneurysm rupture was also simulated. Seventeen neurosurgery residents from 3 residency programs tested the simulator and provided feedback on its usefulness and resemblance to real aneurysm clipping surgery. RESULTS: Residents thought that the simulation would be useful in preparing for real-life surgery. About two-thirds of the residents thought that the 3-dimensional immersive anatomic details provided a close resemblance to real operative anatomy and accurate guidance for deciding surgical approaches. They thought the simulation was useful for preoperative surgical rehearsal and neurosurgical training. A third of the residents thought that the technology in its current form provided realistic haptic feedback for aneurysm surgery. CONCLUSION: Neurosurgical residents thought that the novel immersive VR simulator is helpful in their training, especially because they do not get a chance to perform aneurysm clippings until late in their residency programs.

publication date

  • March 1, 2015

Research

keywords

  • Computer Simulation
  • Feedback
  • Intracranial Aneurysm
  • Neurosurgery
  • Neurosurgical Procedures
  • User-Computer Interface

Identity

PubMed Central ID

  • PMC4340784

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 85027959041

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1227/NEU.0000000000000583

PubMed ID

  • 25599200

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 11 Suppl 2

issue

  • 0 2