Virtual Surgery Simulation via Computational Tissue Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current physical models and cadavers used for surgical training and medical device development fail to accurately replicate the consistency, texture, and physical properties of human tissue, limiting the ability to simulate surgical operations and non-surgical invasive procedures effectively.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based system that processes user input to generate or modify computational models, allowing for simulations of surgical operations and non-surgical invasive procedures, which include pre- and post-processing of data through a solver module to determine probable outcomes and present results to users via a user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical models made from materials such as plastic, rubber, latex, foam, metal, or ceramics are used for surgical training and development, then the models provide structural stability and reusability, but they fail to accurately replicate the consistency, texture, and physical properties of human tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses computational models that create virtual copies of human tissue with accurate physical properties, allowing surgeons to practice on digital representations rather than physical models. This enables precise replication of tissue behavior including consistency, texture, and response to surgical instruments without the manufacturing limitations of physical materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of tissue parameters such as stiffness, density, and elasticity in the computational model to match specific patient anatomy and tissue types. This enables accurate replication of human tissue properties by modifying numerical parameters rather than being constrained by fixed physical material properties.
2Reliability
If cadavers are used for surgical training, then realistic tissue properties can be experienced, but the ability to compare effects of different procedures is limited since no two cadavers are identical
Solution Approach 1:
The computational model serves multiple functions: it can simulate different surgical procedures, compare outcomes across procedures, and be reused indefinitely with the same baseline anatomy. The system allows practitioners to perform multiple procedures on the same virtual patient and directly compare results, eliminating the variability inherent in using different cadavers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a standardized virtual patient model in advance that can serve as a consistent baseline for comparing different surgical procedures. This preliminary creation of a reusable digital anatomy allows for controlled comparison of procedural effects without the variability of biological specimens.
3Measurement precision
If computational modeling is used to simulate surgical operations, then accurate prediction of surgical outcomes can be achieved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computational solver module as an intermediary between the geometric mesh model and the surgical simulation. This solver handles the complex calculations of tissue deformation and surgical instrument interaction, shielding users from the underlying mathematical complexity while providing accurate outcome predictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex physical testing and trial-and-error surgical practice with computational mechanics simulations. The computational model uses mathematical equations to predict tissue behavior and surgical outcomes, substituting physical experimentation with numerical analysis to achieve accurate predictions without the complexity of physical prototypes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are presented for performing virtual surgery simulations. The computer system includes a processor and a memory. The method includes receiving user input from a user via a user interface. The user input includes input representing surgical operations or non-surgical invasive procedures. The method also includes processing the user input and utilizing the input to generate or modify a computational model. The method also includes running simulations using the computational model in accordance with the user input. After running the simulations, the method further includes determining results from the simulations. The results correspond to probable effects or outcomes of performing real life surgical operations or non-surgical invasive procedures corresponding to the user input. Last, the method includes presenting the results to the user via the user interface.