Virtual reality for dermatologic surgery: virtually a reality in the 21st century.

In the 20th century, virtual reality has predominantly played a role in training pilots and in the entertainment industry. Despite much publicity, virtual reality did not live up to its perceived potential. During the past decade, it has also been applied for medical uses, particularly as training simulators, for minimally invasive surgery. Because of advances in computer technology, virtual reality is on the cusp of becoming an effective medical educational tool. At the University of Washington, we are developing a virtual reality soft tissue surgery simulator. Based on fast finite element modeling and using a personal computer, this device can simulate three-dimensional human skin deformations with real-time tactile feedback. Although there are many cutaneous biomechanical challenges to solve, it will eventually provide more realistic dermatologic surgery training for medical students and residents than the currently used models.

[1]  Richard S. Johnston,et al.  Development of a commercial retinal scanning display , 1995, Defense, Security, and Sensing.

[2]  N Berme,et al.  The realization of a haptic (force feedback) interface device for the purpose of angioplasty surgery simulation. , 1997, Biomedical sciences instrumentation.

[3]  Roy Kalawsky,et al.  The science of virtual reality and virtual environments - a technical, scientific and engineering reference on virtual environments , 1993 .

[4]  T Saito,et al.  Virtual reality in surgical education. , 1995, Computers in biology and medicine.

[5]  Rupert England,et al.  Simulated and virtual realities: elements of perception , 1995 .

[6]  Stephen R. Ellis.  Origins and elements of virtual environments , 1995 .

[7]  F. Biocca,et al.  Communication in the age of virtual reality , 1995 .

[8]  H. Hoffman,et al.  Virtual reality: teaching tool of the twenty‐first century? , 1997, Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges.

[9]  Frank Biocca,et al.  The vision of virtual reality , 1995 .

[10]  V. Spitzer,et al.  The visible human dataset: The anatomical platform for human simulation , 1998, The Anatomical record.

[11]  R W Barnes,et al.  Surgical handicraft: teaching and learning surgical skills. , 1987, American journal of surgery.

[12]  W. Larrabee.  A finite element model of skin deformation. I. Biomechanics of skin and soft tissue: A review , 1986, The Laryngoscope.

[13]  Woodrow Barfield,et al.  Virtual environments and advanced interface design , 1995 .

[14]  J Rosen,et al.  Surgeon-tool force/torque signatures--evaluation of surgical skills in minimally invasive surgery. , 1999, Studies in health technology and informatics.

[15]  W P Geis,et al.  Visual clues in minimally invasive surgery: use of 2-D versus 6-D enhanced performance of complex minimally invasive complex skills. , 1999, Studies in health technology and informatics.

[16]  M. Apuzzo.  The Richard C. Schneider Lecture. New dimensions of neurosurgery in the realm of high technology: possibilities, practicalities, realities. , 1996 .

[17]  P. Dubois,et al.  Virtual reality versus conventional training in retinal photocoagulation: a first clinical assessment. , 1998, Computer aided surgery : official journal of the International Society for Computer Aided Surgery.

[18]  M W Krueger,et al.  "KnowWare: virtual reality maps for blind people". , 1999, Studies in health technology and informatics.

[19]  M. Srinivasan,et al.  Simulation of tissue cutting and bleeding for laparoscopic surgery using auxiliary surfaces. , 1999, Studies in health technology and informatics.

[20]  S. Pieper,et al.  A finite-element facial model for simulating plastic surgery. , 1995, Plastic and reconstructive surgery.

[21]  J Stallkamp,et al.  A voice-controlled robotic assistant for neuroendoscopy. , 1999, Studies in health technology and informatics.

[22]  T. Krummel.  Surgical simulation and virtual reality: the coming revolution. , 1998, Annals of surgery.

[23]  R. Yagel,et al.  Functional endoscopic sinus surgery training simulator , 1998, The Laryngoscope.

[24]  H Delingette,et al.  Virtual reality applied to hepatic surgery simulation: the next revolution. , 1998, Annals of surgery.

[25]  Stephen R. Ellis,et al.  What are virtual environments? , 1994, IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications.

[26]  T. Mori,et al.  Significance of ``hands-on training'' in laparoscopic surgery , 1998, Surgical Endoscopy.

[27]  Stephen R. Ellis,et al.  Virtual environments and environmental instruments , 1995 .

[28]  J. Fissette,et al.  Mechanical Properties of Skin and Liposuction , 1996, Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.].

[29]  Howard Rheingold,et al.  Virtual Reality , 1991 .

[30]  R Bajcsy,et al.  Teleimmersion for the doctor's office. , 1999, Studies in health technology and informatics.

[31]  J L Tasto,et al.  PreOp endoscopic simulator: a PC-based immersive training system for bronchoscopy. , 1999, Studies in health technology and informatics.

[32]  W J van der Eerden,et al.  CAREN--Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment. , 1999, Studies in health technology and informatics.

[33]  S Weghorst,et al.  Validation of the Madigan ESS simulator. , 1998, Studies in health technology and informatics.

[34]  R B Trelease.  The virtual anatomy practical: A stereoscopic 3D interactive multimedia computer examination program , 1998, Clinical anatomy.

[35]  M S Wilson,et al.  MIST VR: a virtual reality trainer for laparoscopic surgery assesses performance. , 1997, Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

[36]  Wayne L. Shebilske,et al.  Virtual Reality: An Instructional Medium for Visual-Spatial Tasks. , 1992 .

[37]  H Leclère,et al.  Learning surgical technical skills. , 1995, Canadian journal of surgery. Journal canadien de chirurgie.

[38]  H Hoffman,et al.  Anatomic VisualizeR: realizing the vision of a VR-based learning environment. , 1999, Studies in health technology and informatics.

[39]  R. Reznick,et al.  Teaching and testing technical skills. , 1993, American journal of surgery.