A virtual reality simulator combining a learning environment and clinical case database for image-guided prostate biopsy

Abstract

The recent availability of navigation systems for mapping and targeting of transrectal ultrasound (TRUSS) guided prostate biopsies revealed new opportunities in training the clinician. This paper describes a simulator for TRUSS guided prostate biopsy that offers similar information, enhanced by a complete learning environment. Various exercises have been developed in accordance with a didactical study identifying the training needs. A dedicated clinical case database fed by a prostate navigation system provides a large patient prostate image database that covers the main situations encountered during clinical practice. A haptic device is used to enable complete biopsy procedures or practice specific tasks. This paper also presents work in progress of the evaluation of such a simulator.