Simulation Method for the Physical Deformation of a Three-Dimensional Soft Body in Augmented Reality-Based External...

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Simulation
• Augmented Reality

Background:

• Intraoperative navigation is crucial for minimizing surgical complications and enhancing outcomes.
• Accurate visualization of brain structures and instrument interaction is vital for complex procedures like ventriculostomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an augmented reality (AR)-based simulation technique for ventriculostomy.
• To visualize brain deformations caused by surgical instrument movements in real-time.
• To evaluate the utility of AR navigation in guiding instrument insertion for external ventricular drain surgery.

Main Methods:

• An infrared camera-based AR system was developed to align real and virtual spaces and track surgical instruments.
• A hybrid geometric model combining high-resolution mesh and multiresolution tetrahedron models was used for realistic deformation simulation.
• Position-based dynamics (PBD) with collision handling and constraints ensured stable and accurate soft-body deformation visualization.

Main Results:

• The AR-based ventriculostomy simulation was successfully tested in both phantom and actual surgical environments.
• Surgeons could insert instruments into the ventricle using AR navigation displayed on smart glasses.
• Cerebrospinal fluid drainage confirmed successful task completion, with a deformation simulation speed averaging 18.78 fps.

Conclusions:

• The developed AR-based method for external ventricular drain surgery proved beneficial for clinicians.
• Real-time visualization of brain deformation enhances surgical precision and safety.
• AR simulation holds significant potential for improving neurosurgical training and intraoperative guidance.