A comparison of input devices for precise interaction tasks in VR-based surgical planning and training

To exploit the potential of virtual reality (VR) in medicine, the input devices must be selected carefully due to their different benefits. In this work, input devices for common interaction tasks in medical VR planning and training are compared. Depending on the specific purpose, different requirements exist. Therefore, an appropriate trade-off between meeting task-specific requirements and having a widely applicable device has to be found. We focus on two medical use cases, liver surgery planning and craniotomy training, to cover a broad medical domain. Based on these, relevant input devices are compared with respect to their suitability for performing precise VR interaction tasks. The devices are standard VR controllers, a pen-like VR Ink, data gloves and a real craniotome, the medical instrument used for craniotomy. The input devices were quantitatively compared with respect to their performance based on different measurements. The controllers and VR Ink performed significantly better than the remaining two devices regarding precision. Qualitative data concerning task load, cybersickness, and usability and appropriateness of the devices were assessed. Although no device stands out for both applications, most participants preferred using the VR Ink, followed by the controller and finally the data gloves and craniotome. These results can guide the selection of an appropriate device for future medical VR applications.