Training Minimal Access Surgery Skills Within a Virtual Environment
Abstract
A training system for Minimal Access Surgery (MAS) has been developed by the Centre for Human Sciences part of the Defence and Evaluation Research Agency. The system consists of an object model database which can be interacted with via simulated MAS surgical tools. It is based on two low cost networked personal computers and linked to a pair of laparoscopic tools to provide accurate force feedback within a virtual environment. Development of an integrated training system forms a necessary part of delivering an effective training tool. A hierarchical task analysis (HTA) has been used to determine the key skills demanded of the surgeon in laparoscopic ectopic pregnancy. The experimental evaluation of system features to enable cost benefit trade offs to be made is discussed. From the HTA and a review of the literature new conclusions about the fundamental nature of the tasks to be trained in MAS are presented. The conclusion that adaptation to a continually varying control law is the fundamental task to be trained in MAS has implications for the design of MAS training systems. A future programme of experimental trials work on the simulator design parameters of force feedback scene detail and 3-D, and the application of Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) networks being carried out in conjunction with the Surrey RCS MATTU unit and Loughborough University is discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADP010611
Entities
People
- Mónica Kelly
Organizations
- Ministry of Defense