Devices and methods for implementing endoscopic surgical procedures and instruments within a virtual environment

US8956165B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• University of Florida Research Foundation, INC. · US

Inventors

• Sergei KURENOV · West Falls, US
• Juan Carlos Cendan · Gainesville, US
• Jorg Peters · Düsseldorf, DE
• Thomas M. Beaver · Gainesville, US
• Sukitti Punak · Buffalo, US
• William G. Cance · Chapel Hill, US
• Kfir Ben-David · Gainesville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 26, 2009
• Grant date: Feb 17, 2015
• Expiry date: Oct 4, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G09B23/285
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Devices and methods are provided for combining the handle of a surgical instrument with a force feedback generator, able to create resistance to motion similar to that encountered in a real operating environment. The working end of the surgical instrument is recreated in a virtual environment and manipulated by the modified handle through the force feedback generator. Actions of the instrument handle modify a model and display of the virtual environment and transmit a haptic response back to the handle. The devices and methods provide a means for repeatedly performing maneuvers that accurately simulate the actual instrument, but in the virtual environment. The virtual environment is modeled to accurately simulate the use of the instrument including manipulation of and collisions with other virtual objects, such as surgical thread or internal tissues. Training and assessment tools are also provided that coach or assess a user's proficiency with the instrument.