Is the digitization of laparoscopic movement using accessible alternative technologies possible?

Abstract

It is widely documented that laparoscopic surgeons require training, and an objective evaluation of the training that they receive. The most advanced evaluation systems integrate the digitization of the movement of laparoscopic tools. A great number of these systems, however, do not permit the use of real tools and their high cost limits their academic impact. Likewise, it is documented that new and accessible systems need to be developed. The aim of this article is to explore the possibility of digitizing the movement of laparoscopic tools in a three-dimensional workspace, using accessible alternative technology. Our proposal uses a commercial Wii video game control in conjunction with a program for determining kinematic variables during the execution of a recognition task.

Key words::

• Measurement of surgical movement
• kinematics of MIS instruments
• tracking of MIS instruments
• registration of DOF
• medical instrumentation

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.