Soft-tissue characterization during monopolar electrocautery procedures

Advances in electrosurgical technology have promoted the use of electrocautery in many surgical procedures. Precise modeling of soft tissue deformation during electrocautery with electrosurgical generators can be a valuable tool in training simulators for surgical procedures. Coupling the visualization of electrocautery with the force feedback during an electrocautery process (to maintain optimal current) without causing necrosis is an important learning tool. Realistic simulation will provide surgeon trainees a method to practice electrocautery techniques prior to experimenting on live tissue as well as allow surgeons to gain a feel for electrocautery procedures.