Augmented reality EVAR training in mixed reality educational space

The future of surgical training is changing. One of the bottlenecks in the training of surgeons is the availability of either real patients while being supervised or cadavers. Both these resources can be in limited supply. Surgical trainers have been a common solution to this problem but can be expensive thus limiting their use in the developing world. This paper will examine how using Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and inexpensive 3D printing can act as a replacement to expensive training devices for sole purposes. For the work described in this paper, the EndoVascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) operation will be examined to explore whether medical training for young surgeons can be improved with the integration of VR/AR. EVAR operation is an innovative, less invasive procedure used to treat problems affecting the blood vessels, such as an aneurysm, which is a swelling or “ballooning” of the blood vessel. The surgery involves making a small incision near each hip to access the blood vessels. The paper will outline an approach as a proof of concept, in order to create a mixed reality training tool that through the use of 3D printing can give tactile feedback to the trainee during training.