Medical Application Solutions For Surgical Training

Doctors and surgeons in training eventually have to take the final step of performing procedures on patients for the first time

. In order to get medical personnel to the point where they are proficient before performing an actual procedure, many medical application solutions are geared towards training and simulation for operations. While cadavers usually represented high level training, the latest step has been developed as a sort of virtual reality for surgeons to practice

This virtual space takes the form of robotics that can simulate tactile sensations for a surgeon performing a virtual surgery. Using a unique blend of software and hardware, including DC gearmotors and DC micromotors, these training oriented medical application solutions are paving the way for comprehensive training and practice environments for both new and veteran surgeons.

How It All Works

One of the hardest senses to simulate is the sense of touch. Screens and speakers can replicate sight and sound, but few medical application solutions to date have been able to reproduce touch. Not only does tactile simulation allow a surgeon to "feel" a procedure, but also allows for a tangible way to measure the amount of pressure applied ensuring a proper incision or other operating procedure without the use of cadavers.

Known as a haptic device, they are designed to work with low friction and low inertia in order to deliver a realistic feedback and response mechanism. A total of six DC micromotors housed within a haptic device combine with high speed sensors and PC based controllers to create a system that reacts nearly instantly to input with the corresponding input for an accurate simulation. DC gearmotors are utilized with tightly specified ratios and linear amplifiers to generate high torques and low friction and perceived inertia without sacrificing speed or responsiveness.

High Precision DC Micromotors

One of the biggest hurdles to realistic tactile simulation is in the motor. Mechanical motors are hard pressed to replicate the speed, precision, and force behind human movements, especially in a compact system. DC micromotors designed with specialty windings are able to produce high torques in very small housings while combining back drivability, or the ability for the user to overcome friction and manipulate the haptic device. Small, responsive motors are the only way to couple the right torque outputs without the high amounts of friction, inertia, or mass that would ultimately interfere with the ability to simulate real tactile sensations. Combined with high resolution optical encorders, DC gearmotors can be used to achieve the right gear ratio, or capstan drums with different relative sizes may also be used.

Overall, the use of DC micromotors in this arrangement provides for consistency in medical application solutions designed as haptic devices. A wide range of operations and procedures can be simulated from surgical incisions to drug delivery through needle insertion. Haptic devices and tactile simulation will continue to advance and incorporate different motions and sensations for high level training and practice exercises.

by: Chris Harmen

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