A training system for ultrasound-guided needle insertion procedures

Med Image Comput Comput Assist Interv. 2007;10(Pt 1):566-74. doi: 10.1007/978-3-540-75757-3_69.

Abstract

Needle placement into a patient body under guidance of ultrasound is a frequently performed procedure in clinical practice. Safe and successful performance of such procedure requires a high level of spatial reasoning and hand-eye co-ordination skills, which must be developed through intensive practice. In this paper we present a training system designed to improve the skills of interventional radiology trainees in ultrasound-guided needle placement procedures. Key issues involved in the system include surface and volumetric registration, solid texture modelling, spatial calibration, and real-time synthesis and rendering of ultrasound images. Moreover, soft tissue deformation caused by the needle movement and needle cutting is realised using a mass-spring-model approach. These have led to a realistic ultrasound simulation system, which has been shown to be a useful tool for the training of needle insertion procedures. Preliminary results of a construct evaluation study indicate the effectiveness and usefulness of the developed training system.

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Computer-Assisted Instruction / methods*
  • Connective Tissue / physiology
  • Connective Tissue / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological*
  • Needles*
  • Prosthesis Implantation / education*
  • Surgery, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional / methods*
  • User-Computer Interface