Presentation Title:

 

Laparoscopic Operative Setup Training:  A Virtual Reality Approach at the University of Kentucky

 

Mastrangelo MJ Jr M.D.  

Assistant Professor of Surgery   

Director, Minimally Invasive Donor Nephrectomy Program

University of Kentucky College of Medicine

 

Abstract:

Operating room setup, patient positioning and operating port placement are essential to operative success in minimally invasive surgery (MIS).  Errors in judgment and or execution of these steps increase the difficulty of performing a procedure and ultimately lead to prolonged operations, conversions to open surgery and increased surgical morbidity.  Immersive virtual reality training allows residents to prepare for operative procedures in an environment that provides feedback and monitors their individual progress   The ultimate goal is to decrease the impact of resident training on healthcare cost and patient morbidity.

 

We've developed an application that allows residents to learn the proper operating room configuration for MIS procedures and practice procedure specific patient alignment, surgeon position, and port placement.  The simulation operates on a Silicon Graphics Octane workstation connected to an immersive three dimensional projection system (ImmersaDesk).  Residents are able to master these setup tasks for each of 10 common MIS procedures.  Three-dimensional models and hanging menues are included on the ImmersaDesk.  Visual and audio feedback are given, identifying potential problems.  Resident performance data is collected on a separate computer.  Elapsed time to accurately complete each phase of the training along with the number of errors committed are recorded. 

 

The ImmersaDesk and other three-dimensional displays have been shown to be very effective methods of teaching positional skills.  We believe that this application is an excellent use of the spatial capabilities of the ImmersaDesk.  We also wish to stress that this is just the first stage of a complete Minimally Invasive Surgery simulation program.  When we have perfected our techniques for realistic models of organs, tissues, and laparoscopic instruments we will include them in this application.

 

Benefit in Attending Session:

The need to control healthcare costs and maintain economy in the operating room mandates that surgical residents acquire minimally invasive surgical skills prior to participating in actual procedures.  Operating room setup, patient positioning and operating port placement are essential to operative success.  Errors in judgment and or execution of these steps increase the difficulty of performing a procedure and ultimately lead to prolonged operations, conversions to open surgery and increased surgical morbidity.  Imersive virtual reality training allows residents to prepare for operative procedures in an environment which provides feedback and monitors their individual progress, and should decrease the impact of resident training on healthcare cost and patient morbidity.

 

 

PRIMARY AUTHOR'S INFORMATION

Mastrangelo, Michael J., Jr., M.D.

Chandler Medical Center

800 Rose Street C345

Lexington, KY  40536

Telephone Number: 606 257-3751

Fax Number: 606 257-1428

E-mail Address: mmast@pop.uky.edu

 

Web Site: http://www-mis.uky.edu/

 

CO-AUTHORS' INFORMATION

Hoskins, Jim D., Director,  Minimally Invasive Surgery Training Lab

Birgisson, Gudjon  Fellow, Minimally Invasive Surgery

Witzke, Wayne   Chief Programmer,  Minimally Invasive Surgery Training Lab

Witzke, Don, PhD  Director of Education,  Minimally Invasive Surgery Training Lab

Park, Adrian E, M.D.  Director,  Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery

 

Address(es):

Chandler Medical Center

800 Rose Street C345

Lexington, KY  40536

 

Telephone Number(s): 606 257-3751

 

Fax Number(s): 606 257-1428

 

E-mail Address(es):

mmast@pop.uky.edu

 

Web Site(s): http://www-mis.uky.edu/