Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery Simulator with Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical simulators lack specificity for Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Surgery (EETS) procedures, failing to adequately train tasks such as pick-place, drilling, incising, punching/grasping, and precision movements around anatomical structures, due to limited development of neurosurgical simulators and lack of patient-specific models.
Innovation Solution
A neurosurgical simulator specifically designed for EETS procedures, utilizing a human head model with a nasal portion made of elastic material and a base part inclined at 45°, equipped with activity plates mimicking bio-mechanical properties of real tissues, sensors for feedback, and articulated arms for kinematic data recording, all integrated with AI techniques for skills evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional apprenticeship-based training is used, then trainees can learn through observation, but trainees do not receive hands-on technical skills for MIS procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual replica of the surgical environment using simulation software that replicates the endoscopic view, anatomical structures, and surgical tools. This virtual copy allows trainees to practice hands-on skills without physical risk, directly addressing the limitation of traditional observation-based apprenticeship while avoiding the complexity of physical mannequins or cadaver labs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical mechanical training systems (cadavers, anatomical models, surgical tables) with a computer-based virtual reality simulation system. This substitution provides hands-on technical skills through interactive software while reducing the complexity and cost of physical training infrastructure.
2Quantity of substance
If residency duty-hour restrictions are imposed, then trainee welfare is protected, but trainee exposure to surgical cases is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation system enables trainees to perform repetitive practice tasks indefinitely without time limits or patient scheduling constraints. Trainees can accumulate unlimited practice hours within duty-hour restrictions, continuously improving skills through repeated virtual surgical tasks that would otherwise require waiting for actual patient cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual simulation environment creates an unlimited supply of virtual patients and surgical scenarios that can be practiced repeatedly. This digital copy system provides endless training material without the logistical constraints of real surgical schedules, allowing trainees to maximize skill acquisition within duty-hour limitations.
3Ease of operation
If a narrow monocular field of view is used in neuroendoscopy, then the endoscope can be maneuvered through tight spaces, but depth cues are lost and 3D mental picture formation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent overlays virtual depth cues and 3D anatomical models onto the 2D endoscopic view through augmented reality visualization. This adds spatial dimensionality to the flat monitor display, providing depth perception and 3D mental picture formation while preserving the narrow field of view that enables endoscope maneuverability through tight surgical spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation system introduces virtual intermediaries (depth markers, 3D anatomical overlays, spatial reference cues) between the endoscopic camera view and the trainee's perception. These virtual mediators bridge the gap between the narrow monocular view and the need for spatial awareness, enabling accurate navigation without requiring actual depth perception from the endoscope itself.
4Measurement precision
If long instruments with fulcrum constraint are used in neuroendoscopy, then precision can be achieved at the surgical site, but tactile and haptic feedback are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical tactile feedback mechanisms with haptic simulation technology that generates virtual tactile sensations through force feedback devices. This substitution maintains the precision achieved through long instruments with fulcrum constraints while providing trainees with simulated tactile information about tissue resistance, texture, and anatomical structures that would otherwise be lost in the long instrument transmission path.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation system introduces haptic feedback intermediaries (force feedback devices, vibration motors, resistance mechanisms) between the training system and the trainee's hand. These intermediaries translate virtual surgical interactions into tangible sensations, bridging the tactile information loss inherent in long instrument transmission while preserving the precision required for neuroendoscopic surgery.
5Adaptability or versatility
If existing surgical simulators are used, then general surgical skills can be practiced, but EETS-specific tasks such as pick-place, drilling, incising, and precision movements cannot be adequately trained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent customizes the simulation environment to match the specific local requirements of EETS procedures, including anatomically accurate 3D models of the nasal cavity, sphenoid sinus, and skull base. The virtual tools and task scenarios are specifically designed to replicate EETS procedures (pick-place, drilling, incising, grasping) rather than providing generic surgical training, ensuring high reliability for EETS-specific skill acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation system dynamically adapts to different EETS tasks and difficulty levels, adjusting virtual anatomical variations, tissue properties, and task parameters in real-time. This dynamic customization ensures comprehensive coverage of EETS-specific tasks while maintaining high training effectiveness through scenario-specific optimization rather than relying on static, one-size-fits-all simulators.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein a neurosurgical simulator for training of various tasks involved in Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Surgery, composed of a human head model comprising an anterior portion including a nose part, and a posterior portion detachably mounted on an inclined base part; a plurality of apertures on the nose part for insertion of an endoscope and an instrument for manipulation; said inclined base part placed at an inclination to mimic a patient position during endo-nasal surgery; wherein said base part comprises a protruded platform having slots to create male-female connection with corresponding a plurality of protrusions provided under one or more activity plates; wherein said activity plates are so designed to train various tasks including pick-place, drilling, incising, punching/grasping and precision movements around the anatomical structures. The simulator further comprises sensors including touch sensors, force sensors and accelerometers configured to track the performance of the user and provide feedback. The simulator further comprises a pair of articulated arms with encoders at each joint of said arm connected to the endoscope and the instrument for tracking the kinematic data of the user.