CT-Based VR Spinal Simulation for Loss-of-Resistance and Lead Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for training medical staff on spinal procedures are costly and inefficient, particularly for complex anatomical structures, lacking effective simulation tools to replicate real-world scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A virtual reality-based surgical procedure simulation system that generates a 3D body model from CT images, allowing users to practice spinal cord stimulation, loss of resistance (LOR) procedures, and lead insertion using a virtual C-arm apparatus, providing a realistic simulation environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If real-world surgical training for spinal procedures is conducted, then training effectiveness is improved, but training cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the surgical environment using VR technology. The system generates a 3D virtual spine model from CT scan data, allowing trainees to practice spinal cord stimulation procedures in a realistic virtual setting that replicates the actual surgical environment without requiring physical patients or expensive surgical equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual reality system as an intermediary between trainees and actual surgical procedures. This intermediary provides a middle ground that offers realistic training experience while eliminating the need for direct interaction with real patients and expensive surgical apparatus, thereby reducing training costs.
2Ease of operation
If complex spinal procedures are simulated using virtual reality, then training accessibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex surgical training system into separate functional modules: CT scan data processing module, 3D model generation module, VR simulation module, and performance evaluation module. This segmentation allows each component to be developed and optimized independently, making the overall system more manageable and easier to implement despite the complexity of the virtual reality environment.
3Quantity of substance
If virtual reality simulation is used for surgical training, then training cost is reduced, but measurement precision of surgical outcomes may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information to trainees during the virtual simulation. The system tracks surgical parameters such as needle insertion depth, angle, and position, and provides immediate feedback comparable to actual surgical outcomes. This feedback loop ensures that the virtual simulation accurately reflects real surgical success criteria, maintaining measurement precision while reducing costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for a surgical procedure simulation based on virtual reality (VR) are provided. The method includes generating a virtual three-dimensional (3D) body model corresponding to a body part of a subject of a surgical procedure based on a computed tomography (CT) image and providing a surgical procedure simulation for spinal cord stimulation based on the virtual 3D body model. The providing of the surgical procedure simulation for spinal cord stimulation includes outputting a virtual screen including the virtual 3D body model and a virtual C-arm apparatus, providing a surgical procedure simulation of loss of resistance (LOR) according to a selection of a user wearing the surgical procedure simulation apparatus within the virtual screen, and providing, when the surgical procedure simulation of LOR is completed, a surgical procedure simulation for lead insertion into a virtual spinal cord part included in the virtual 3D body model.