Development of computer vision algorithm towards assessment of suturing skill

In this paper, we present a computer vision algorithm to extract key information pertinent to assessing surgical suturing. This algorithm uses an instrumented platform designed to quantify suturing skill. As subjects performed suturing on the platform, the vision algorithm computes the time and the location of suture needle's entry and exit, stitch length, needle trace, and hesitation time, which were identified as potential metrics to assess suturing skill. Preliminary experimental data from a study with 14 subjects with minimal suturing experience are presented. The results demonstrate that the algorithm is feasible for use in quantifying suturing expertise.

[1]  Santosh Iyer,et al.  A single arm, single camera system for automated suturing , 2013, 2013 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation.

[2]  Jenny Dankelman,et al.  Force measurement platform for training and assessment of laparoscopic skills , 2010, Surgical Endoscopy.

[3]  Ana Luisa Trejos,et al.  Development of force-based metrics for skills assessment in minimally invasive surgery , 2014, Surgical Endoscopy.

[4]  Jenny Dankelman,et al.  Force Parameters for Skills Assessment in Laparoscopy , 2012, IEEE Transactions on Haptics.

[5]  Rajesh Aggarwal,et al.  Synchronized video and motion analysis for the assessment of procedures in the operating theater. , 2005, Archives of surgery.

[6]  Alex Zelinsky,et al.  Learning OpenCV---Computer Vision with the OpenCV Library (Bradski, G.R. et al.; 2008)[On the Shelf] , 2009, IEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine.

[7]  J. Birkmeyer,et al.  Surgical skill and complication rates after bariatric surgery. , 2013, The New England journal of medicine.

[8]  Makoto Hashizume,et al.  Objective assessment of laparoscopic suturing skills using a motion-tracking system , 2011, Surgical Endoscopy.

[9]  Kanav Kahol,et al.  Development of Computer Vision Algorithm for Surgical Skill Assessment , 2011, AMBI-SYS.

[10]  Philippe C. Cattin,et al.  Endoscopic navigation for minimally invasive suturing , 2008, Computer aided surgery : official journal of the International Society for Computer Aided Surgery.

[11]  Irfan A. Essa,et al.  Automated Assessment of Surgical Skills Using Frequency Analysis , 2015, MICCAI.

[12]  Alexis Sánchez,et al.  Laparoscopic Surgery Skills Evaluation: Analysis Based on Accelerometers , 2014, JSLS : Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons.

[13]  Heather Carnahan,et al.  Quantification of motion characteristics and forces applied to tissues during suturing. , 2005, American journal of surgery.

[14]  R Brent Gillespie,et al.  The Objective Assessment of Experts’ and Novices’ Suturing Skills Using An Image Analysis Program , 2013, Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges.

[15]  Jenny Dankelman,et al.  Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills Based on Force and Motion Parameters , 2014, IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering.