Hybrid Medical Simulation System with Force Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical procedures, such as pelvic floor reconstruction, face challenges due to limited visual feedback, making training and execution complex and risky, as they often rely on physical guidance and corpse models that do not accurately represent patient-specific anatomy.
Innovation Solution
A system that combines a computing device with input and output units, a mannequin, and transmitter/receiver units to simulate invasive medical procedures, using 3D digital models and force feedback to replicate the anatomy and tools, allowing for real-time manipulation and feedback during training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical guidance and corpse models are used for training, then training can be conducted, but the training accuracy and patient safety are compromised due to inability to represent patient-specific anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital 3D copy of the patient's actual anatomy using pre-procedure imaging data. This digital twin accurately represents patient-specific anatomical variations, allowing trainees to practice on a precise replica rather than generic corpse models, thereby improving training accuracy while maintaining manageable system complexity through software-based solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs anatomical modeling and simulation setup before the actual medical procedure. By preparing the digital twin and configuring the simulation environment in advance, the system enables comprehensive training without adding complexity during the actual procedure execution.
2Ease of operation
If invasive procedures are performed without visual feedback, then the procedures can be completed, but the risk of errors increases and training becomes extremely complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time visual feedback by rendering the 3D digital model from the perspective of the medical instrument tip. As trainees manipulate physical instruments on the mannequin, the system continuously updates the digital visualization to show instrument position, depth, and surrounding anatomy, enabling visual feedback without actual invasion and thereby improving both ease of operation and procedure safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital 3D model serves as an intermediary between the physical manipulation and the actual patient anatomy. It mediates the interaction by providing visual information about deep anatomical structures that are not directly visible during the procedure, reducing error risk while maintaining natural procedure execution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional training methods are used, then training can be conducted, but the transferability to real patient procedures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the digital twin to match the specific patient's anatomy by importing and processing their actual imaging data. This creates a customized simulation environment for each patient-procedure combination, maximizing training applicability to the specific clinical case while using flexible software architecture to manage system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables comprehensive and accurate training for invasive procedures by providing realistic anatomical simulations and feedback, reducing the risk of errors and improving skill development for physicians.
Implementation Method 1
A controller tracks a location and an orientation of the medical tool, based on a signal transmitted by the transmitter and received by the receiver
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a method of performing a simulation of a medical procedure. A physical model of an anatomical structure and of a medical tool may be provided. 3D digital models of the anatomical structure and medical tool may be provided. A location parameter related to a location of the physical medical tool with respect to the physical model of the anatomical structure may be received. The 3D models of the anatomical structure and medical tool may be manipulated according to the location parameter.