Simulator for Minimally Invasive Vascular Interventions: Hardware and Software

Abstract

In the present work, a simulation system is proposed that can be used as an educational tool by physicians in training basic skills of minimally invasive vascular interventions. In order to accomplish this objective, initially the physical model of the wire proposed by Konings has been improved. As a result, a simpler and more stable method was obtained to calculate the equilibrium configuration of the wire. In addition, a geometrical method is developed to perform relaxations. It is particularly useful when the wire is hindered in the physical method because of the boundary conditions. Then a recipe is given to merge the physical and the geometrical methods, resulting in efficient relaxations. Moreover, tests have shown that the shape of the virtual wire agrees with the experiment. The proposed algorithm allows real-time executions, and furthermore, the hardware to assemble the simulator has a low cost.

Taxonomy of Virtual and Augmented Reality Applications in Education

“…In terms of this taxonomy a special controller is a controller for input which cannot be replicated using a general-purpose controller and often employ precise simulated haptic feedback which helps students learn the required skill [13]. These controllers are common in medical training and can include for example virtual endoscopes [34], simulators of dental procedures [12] or ophthalmoscopes [14]. Such controllers can also be simpler, such as turning wheels for drivers [35].…”