Virtual Reality Simulator for Laparoscopic Procedures Performed with a Robotic Endoscope Holder

摘要

The use of virtual reality (VR) simulators for training novice laparoscopic surgeons has the potential of improving psychomotor skills and reducing the learning curve on real laparoscopies. This paper refers to a VR simulator to be used with CLARA system, which is a robotic endoscope holder developed at University of Brasilia for abdominal laparoscopic procedures. It aims to train CLARA's future users at handling the robotic device, besides presenting the product in an innovative approach. The simulator was evaluated by ten students from UnB Health College which were asked to perform a simple task on the CLARA simulator twice. The total time needed for each user to complete the task for the second time was measured and compared to their first trial. The verified improvement is on average 70% in the mean response time and 37% in the mean time to complete the task for all the subjects.