Autor(es):
Queirós, Sandro F. 
; Vilaça, João L. ; F. Rodrigues, Nuno ; Neves, Sara C. ; Teixeira, Pedro M. ; Correia-Pinto, Jorge
Data: 2011
Identificador Persistente: http://hdl.handle.net/11110/417
Origem: CiencIPCA
Assunto(s): surgical training; laparoscopy; serious games
Descrição
Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure on which
operations in the abdomen are performed through small
incisions using several specialized instruments. The
laparoscopic surgery success greatly depends on surgeon skills
and training. To achieve these technical high-standards,
different apprenticeship methods have been developed, many
based on in vivo training, an approach that involves high costs
and complex setup procedures. This paper explores Virtual
Reality (VR) simulation as an alternative for novice surgeons
training. Even though several simulators are available on the
market claiming successful training experiences, their use is
extremely limited due to the economic costs involved. In this
work, we present a low-cost laparoscopy simulator able to
monitor and assist the trainee’s surgical movements. The
developed prototype consists of a set of inexpensive sensors,
namely an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer and a
flex sensor, attached to specific laparoscopic instruments. Our
approach allows repeated assisted training of an exercise,
without time constraints or additional costs, since no human
artificial model is needed. A case study of our simulator
applied to instrument manipulation practice (hand-eye
coordination) is also presented.
