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Published on: August 12, 2021
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A multimodal virtual vision platform as a next-generation vision system for a surgical robot
Young Gyun Kim1, Jong Hyeon Lee1, Jae Woo Shim1
1Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
Medical & Biological Engineering & Computing
|February 2, 2024
Summary
A new virtual vision platform (VVP) for robot-assisted surgery improves surgeon ergonomics by reducing neck strain. User evaluations show comparable performance to traditional systems, with a significant increase in craniovertebral angle, suggesting enhanced comfort.
Area of Science:
- Robotics
- Surgical Technology
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Robot-assisted surgery (RAS) platforms offer advanced visualization but pose ergonomic challenges.
- Conventional stereo viewers (SV) in surgical robots can cause surgeon fatigue due to fixed postures.
- Ergonomic improvements are crucial for the widespread adoption and sustained use of RAS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and evaluate a novel virtual vision platform (VVP) for robot-assisted surgery.
- To assess the VVP's impact on surgeon ergonomics, specifically craniovertebral angle.
- To compare the VVP's performance and user experience against conventional stereo viewers.
Main Methods:
- Development of a virtual vision platform (VVP) utilizing head-mounted displays.
- User evaluations involving surgeons and novices performing tasks with both VVP and SV systems.
- Quantitative measurements of craniovertebral angle and qualitative data from user questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Surgical task performance was not significantly different between the VVP and SV systems.
- The VVP demonstrated a significant improvement in craniovertebral angle (16.35° higher on average) compared to the SV.
- User feedback was positive, with a preference for a 2x3 array configuration (six displays).
Conclusions:
- The virtual vision platform (VVP) offers a promising ergonomic solution for robot-assisted surgery.
- VVP enhances surgeon comfort by improving neck posture without compromising task performance.
- This technology represents a potential advancement for next-generation surgical robots, customizable for medical applications.

