Advanced da Vinci surgical system simulator for surgeon training and operation planning

Background Although patients benefit considerably from minimally invasive surgery, the use of new instruments such as robotic systems is challenging for surgeons, and extensive training is required. Method We developed a computer-based simulator of the da Vinci Surgical System, modelling the robot and designing a new interface. Results The simulator offers users a two-handed interface to control a realistic model of the da Vinci robot. The simulator can be applied (i) to provide an environment in which to practice simple surgical skills and (ii) to serve as a visualization platform on which to validate port placement and robot pose for operation planning. Conclusions Virtual reality is a useful technique for medical training. The simulator is currently in its early stages, but this preliminary work is promising. Copyright (C) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.