OpenHELP (Heidelberg laparoscopy phantom): development of an open-source surgical evaluation and training tool

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Surgical Training
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Surgical research and laparoscopic training traditionally rely on animal testing and clinical trials.
• Phantoms are essential for preclinical surgical research and skill development.
• There is a need for advanced phantoms with realistic anatomical and haptic properties, modularity, and ease of reproduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and develop a novel laparoscopic phantom with realistic anatomical and haptic characteristics.
• To create a modular and easily reproducible phantom platform for surgical simulation.
• To establish an open-source resource for the academic community, named the open-source Heidelberg laparoscopic phantom (OpenHELP).

Main Methods:

• Anonymized CT scans were used to create digital 3D models of torso and organs.
• Rapid prototyping materialized digital models; flexible and rigid methods simulated pneumoperitoneum.
• Silicone casting produced artificial organs; reproduction accuracy and haptic realism were evaluated using CT comparison and Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

Main Results:

• A durable plastic torso and soft silicone organs were successfully fabricated.
• Both flexible and rigid methods effectively simulated pneumoperitoneum.
• Rectum model reproduction accuracy showed a mean RMSE of 2.26 mm; haptic realism achieved a mean VAS of 7.25.

Conclusions:

• The OpenHELP phantom is a feasible and accurate tool for surgical simulation.
• The phantom has been successfully implemented in computer-assisted surgery at the institution.
• OpenHELP is available as an open-source project, promoting wider accessibility for academic research.