How to build patient-specific synthetic abdominal anatomies. An innovative approach from physical toward hybrid surgical simulators

Background According to literature evidence, simulation is of the utmost importance for training and innovative surgical strategies assessment. At present commercial physical simulators are limited to single or only a few anatomical structures and these are often just standard anatomies. Methods This paper describes a strategy to produce patient-specific abdominal silicone organs with realistic shapes and colors, starting from radiological images. Synthetic organs can be assembled in a complex physical simulator or, if paired with electromagnetic sensors, in a hybrid environment (mixed reality) to quantify deformations caused by surgical action. Results A physical trunk phantom with liver, gallbladder, pancreas and a sensorized stomach has been developed. It is coupled with consistent radiological images and a 3D model of the entire upper abdomen. The simulator has been evaluated in quantitative and qualitative terms to quantify its accuracy and utility, respectively. Conclusions This simulator can be used in the field of abdominal surgery to train students and as a testing environment to assess and validate innovative surgical technologies. Copyright (C) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.