A novel Integrated Motion Tracking Device (IMTD) for Objective Laparoscopic Training Assessment: Development and Validation

This paper presents a novel, compact four-degree-of-freedom motion-tracking device (IMTD) designed for training and evaluation in laparoscopic surgery. The device's kinematics, mechanical design, instrumentation, and prototypes are developed and presented to meet the specific requirements of laparoscopic training context, including movement around a fixed center of motion and seamless integration into standard box trainers. The system's accuracy and performance are validated through comparisons with a reference motion capture system during elementary movements throughout the workspace. Additional experimental validation is conducted using the peg transfer task, a standard laparoscopic training exercise. Data collected by the IMTD are further utilized for objective skill assessment of surgical trainees, with a preliminary evaluation approach applied to the peg transfer case. Results demonstrate the device's effectiveness in tracking surgical gestures and highlight its potential as a reliable tool for minimally invasive surgical training and performance evaluation