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.