Virtual environments for training critical skills in laparoscopic surgery

Surgical training simulations must incorporate not only advanced technical features, such as detailed geometric organ models and physically-based modeling techniques, but also a thorough understanding of the major training issues relating to a particular procedure. We have developed a prototype environment for training laparoscopic cholecystectomy, or gallbladder removal surgery, which focuses a student's attention on the critical steps performed during the procedure and provides feedback as to the common errors committed during a session. The current version of our system runs in real-time on a mid-range graphics workstation. The simulation also provides a platform for research into a variety of different areas, including tissue modeling, finite element methods, and generalized simulation authoring.