Virtual mastoidectomy performance evaluation through multi-volume analysis

Development of a visualization system that provides surgical instructors with a method to compare the results of many virtual surgeries (n > 100). A masked distance field models the overlap between expert and resident results. Multiple volume displays are used side-by-side with a 2D point display. Performance characteristics were examined by comparing the results of specific residents with those of experts and the entire class. The software provides a promising approach for comparing performance between large groups of residents learning mastoidectomy techniques.