University of Florida Research Foundation, Incorporated

Jorg Peters

Juan Carlos Cendan

Sergei Kurenov

William G Cance

Thomas M Beaver

Sukitti Punak

Kfir Ben-David

Devices and methods are provided for combining the handle of a surgical instrument with a force feedback generator, able to create resistance to motion similar to that encountered in a real operating environment. The working end of the surgical instrument is recreated in a virtual environment and manipulated by the modified handle through the force feedback generator. Actions of the instrument handle modify a model and display of the virtual environment and transmit a haptic response back to the handle. The devices and methods provide a means for repeatedly performing maneuvers that accurately simulate the actual instrument, but in the virtual environment. The virtual environment is modeled to accurately simulate the use of the instrument including manipulation of and collisions with other virtual objects, such as surgical thread or internal tissues. Training and assessment tools are also provided that coach or assess a user's proficiency with the instrument.

Devices and methods for implementing endoscopic surgical procedures and instruments within a virtual environment

Devices and methods that combine an actual surgical instrument handle, for example the handle of an AutoSuture EndoStitch&#x2122; device, with a force feedback generator able to create resistance to motion similar to that encountered in a real operating environment. The devices and methods provide a means for repeatedly performing maneuvers that accurately simulate the actual instrument, but in a virtual environment. The devices have haptic capabilities and collision detection so that the virtual device, such as the needle driver of the EndoStitch&#x2122; device, is 'aware' of instrument contact.

Devices and methods for utilizing mechanical surgical devices in a virtual environment

Growing community of inventors

Gainesville, FL, United States of America

Jorg Peters