Novel virtual Lap-Band simulator could promote patient safety

This paper presents, for the first time, a physics-based modeling technique for the Lap-Band (Inamed Health) used in laparoscopic gastric banding (LAGB) operations for treating the morbidly obese. A virtual LAGB simulator can help train medical students as well as surgeons who embark at learning this relatively new operation. The Lap-Band has different thickness and curvature along the centerline, and therefore leads to different deformation behaviors. A hybrid modeling strategy is therefore adopted to successfully replicate its dynamics. A mass-spring model, used to model the less stiff part, is coupled to a quasi-static articulated link model for the more stiff and inextensible part. The virtual Lap-Band model has been implemented into a complete graphics-haptics-physics-based system with two PHANToM Omni devices (from Sensible Technologies) being used for real-time bimanual interaction with force feedback.