Pseudo-Perception: A New Concept for Resolving the Problems of Long Instruments in Neurosurgical Interventions

Long surgical instruments, particularly in brain endoscopy, often compromise precision and control due to the physical distance between the surgeon's hand and the instrument's tip, increasing the likelihood of tremors. Various technological solutions, including robotics, have been proposed to address this issue. This report outlines the development of a pseudo-perception system aimed at improving control over long instruments in neurosurgical procedures by manipulating visual feedback to enhance the surgeon's sense of proximity to the instrument's tip. The pseudo-perception system uses real-time image manipulation via MATLAB software to fuse images of the surgeon's hand and the instrument's tip. This is achieved by recording the surgeon's hand movements and superimposing them onto the endoscopic view. The system is designed to visually trick the surgeon's brain into perceiving the hand as being closer to the surgical field, thereby improving precision without requiring expensive robotic systems. The system was developed and tested in a simulated environment with standard neurosurgical instruments. Initial observations suggest that the pseudo-perception method improves manual precision and reduces tremors. However, this system is still in the prototype stage and requires further technical refinement and testing in real-world settings. This report provides a technical overview of the pseudo-perception system, offering a potential low-cost solution for improving control with long instruments in neurosurgery. Future developments will focus on enhancing the system's accuracy and usability in clinical practice.