Surgical Simulation Platform Using Digital Twin Voxel Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) surgical simulation systems face challenges in providing realistic, immersive, and collaborative training environments due to limitations in realism, accuracy, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, which hinder the effective transfer of surgical skills from simulated to real-world scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A system combining haptic and non-haptic VR, AR, and MR experiences at scale, utilizing voxel representation, position-based dynamics, and solid constructive geometry to create highly realistic, real-time simulations of surgical procedures, allowing for multi-user collaboration and patient-specific simulations with accurate tissue interactions and feedback, without the need for custom hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current VR/AR simulation systems are used, then immersive training experience is provided, but realism and accuracy of simulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates digital twins that are exact virtual copies of physical surgical environments, instruments, and tissues. These digital replicas maintain all visual, haptic, and functional properties of the real counterparts, enabling highly realistic simulation without requiring custom hardware. The digital twin technology allows surgeons to practice in a virtual environment that perfectly mirrors real-world surgical conditions.
2Reliability
If specialized hardware and software platforms are used, then simulation quality is improved, but cost and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal simulation platform that runs on standard consumer hardware (smartphones, tablets, VR headsets) without requiring specialized equipment. The same digital twin technology and simulation engine can simulate multiple surgical procedures, instruments, and scenarios across different devices, eliminating the need for procedure-specific or hardware-specific systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical simulation hardware with software-based digital twin technology. Instead of using physical prototypes or specialized mechanical devices to simulate surgical instruments and tissues, the system uses virtual representations that run on standard computing platforms, significantly reducing hardware requirements while maintaining simulation fidelity.
3Manufacturing precision
If simulation systems are made procedure-specific, then accuracy for that procedure is improved, but flexibility and adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal simulation platform that runs on standard consumer hardware (smartphones, tablets, VR headsets) without requiring specialized equipment. The same digital twin technology and simulation engine can simulate multiple surgical procedures, instruments, and scenarios across different devices, eliminating the need for procedure-specific or hardware-specific systems.
4Reliability
If traditional surgical training methods are used, then extensive hands-on experience is gained, but training time and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables surgeons to perform preliminary practice in the digital twin environment before actual surgery. Surgeons can rehearse procedures, test different approaches, and become familiar with specific patient anatomy and surgical challenges in a risk-free virtual setting. This preliminary practice in simulation reduces the time needed for traditional apprenticeship training while maintaining high competency standards.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems of the invention include a platform that provides a suite of features delivering scalable, cost-effective, and realistic simulations that may be integrated into a surgical training curriculum. In particular, the invention provides for multi-user interaction within a hardware/software agnostic platform that addresses the technical issues related to the realism and accuracy necessary for effective use of simulated surgical procedures as a training tool. As such, systems and methods of the invention provide for dynamic, frictionless remote collaboration, unlimited repetition, and assessment data insight on capability and risk, which reduces costs and improves patient outcomes.