Pathology design for surgical training simulators

Abstract

Realistic generation of variable anatomical organ models and pathologies are crucial for a sophisticated surgical training simulator. A training scene needs to be different in every session in order to exhaust the full potential of virtual reality based training. We previously reported on a cellular automaton able to generate leiomyomas found in the uterine cavity. This paper presents an alternative approach for the design of macroscopic findings of pathologies and describes the incorporation of these models into a healthy virtual organ. The pathologies implemented are leiomyomas and polyps protruding to different extents into the uterine cavity. The results presented are part of a virtual reality based hysteroscopy simulator that is under development. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2003.