Sessanna D

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery training simulator

Objective/Hypothesis: To determine the efficacy of a haptic (force feedback) device and to compare isosurface and volumetric models of a functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) training simulator. Study Design: A pilot study involving faculty and residents from the Department of Otolaryngology at The Ohio State University. Methods: Objective trials evaluated the haptic devices ability to perceive three‐dimensional shapes (stereognosis) without the aid of image visualization. Ethmoidectomy tasks were performed with both isosurface and volumetric FESS simulators, and surveys compared the two models. Results: The haptic device was 77% effective for stereognosis tasks. There was a preference toward the isosurface model over the volumetric model in terms of visual representation, comfort, haptic‐visual fidelity, and overall performance. Conclusions: The FESS simulator uses both visual and haptic feedback to create a virtual reality environment to teach paranasal sinus anatomy and basic endoscopic sinus surgery techniques to ear, nose, and throat residents. The results of the current study showed that the haptic device was accurate in and of itself, within its current physical limitations, and that the isosurface‐based simulator was preferred. Laryngoscope, 108:1643–1647, 1998

Virtual temporal bone dissection: a case study

The Temporal Bone Dissection Simulator is an ongoing research project for the construction of a synthetic environment suitable for virtual dissection of human temporal bone and related anatomy. Funded by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), the primary goal of this project is to provide a safe, robust, and cost-effective virtual environment for learning the anatomy and surgical procedures associated with the temporal bone. Direct volume visualization has been indispensable for the necessary level of realism and interactivity that is vital to the success of this project. This work is being conducted by the Ohio Supercomputer Center in conjunction with the Department of Otolaryngology at the Ohio State University, and NIDCD.

Building a virtual environment for endoscopic sinus surgery simulation

Abstract Advanced display technologies have made the virtual exploration of relatively complex models feasible in many applications. Unfortunately, only a few human interfaces allow natural interaction with the environment. Moreover, in surgical applications, such realistic interaction requires real-time rendering of volumetric data—placing an overwhelming performance burden on the system. We report on our advances towards developing a virtual reality system that provides intuitive interaction with complex volume data by employing real-time realistic volume rendering and convincing forece feedback (haptic) sensations. We describe our methods for real-time volume rendering, model deformation, interaction, and the haptic devices, and demonstrate the utilization of this system in the real-world application of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS) simulation.

Driving scientific applications by data in distributed environments

Traditional simulation-based applications for exploring a parameter space to understand a physical phenomenon or to optimize a design are rapidly overwhelmed by data volume when large numbers of simulations of different parameters are carried out. Optimizing reservoir management through simulation-based studies, in which large numbers of realizations are sought using detailed geologic descriptions, is an example of such applications. In this paper, we describe a software architecture to facilitate large scale simulation studies, involving ensembles of long-running simulations and analysis of vast volumes of output data. This architecture is built on top of two frameworks we have developed: IPARS and DataCutter. These frameworks make it possible to implement tools and applications to run large-scale simulatios, and generate and investigate terabyte-scale datasets efficiently.

Multisensory platform for surgical simulation

Advanced display technologies have made the virtual exploration of relatively complex models feasible in many applications. Unfortunately, only a few human interfaces allow natural interaction with the environment. Moreover in surgical applications, such realistic interaction requires real time rendering of volumetric data-placing an overwhelming performance burden on the system. We report on a collaboration of a unique interdisciplinary group developing a virtual reality system that provides intuitive interaction with complex volume data by employing real time realistic volume rendering and convincing force feedback (haptic) sensations. We describe our rendering methods and the haptic devices in detail and demonstrate the utilization of this system in the real world application of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS) simulation.

Use of ultra-high resolution temporal bone data sets for surgical simulation

Abstract Objectives: For the past 5 years, our group has been developing a virtual temporal bone dissection environment that will allow a new paradigm in training otologic surgeons. Throughout the course of our development, one of the reoccurring challenges is the acquisition of high resolution data sets that are used for both the visual as well as haptic (sense of touch) display. This study presents several new techniques in temporal bone imaging and their use as data for surgical simulation. Methods: At our institution, we are fortunate to have an 8 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) research magnet that provides an order of magnitude higher resolution compared to clinical 1.5T MRI scanners. Magnetic resonance imaging has traditionally been superb at delineating soft tissue structure and certainly, the 8T unit does indeed do this at a resolution of 100–200 mm3. To delineate the boney structure of the mastoid and middle ear, computed tomography (CT) has traditionally been used because of the high signal to noise ratio delineating bone signal from air and soft tissue. We have partnered with researchers at other institutions to make use of a “microCT” that provides resolution of 214 × 214 × 390 micrometers of boney structure. Results: This report provides a description of the 2 methodologies and presentation of the striking image data capable of being generated. See images presented. Conclusions: Using these 2 new and innovative imaging modalities, we provide an order of magnitude greater resolution to the visual and haptic display in our temporal bone dissection simulation environment.