Deformable organ model using the sphere-filled method for virtual surgery

We have been developing a virtual surgery simulation system that uses virtual reality techniques. In order to perform real-time simulation, we have to develop a deformable organ model. We made a method to create an elastic organ model by the nature of 'sphere-filled model'. This model is suited for real-time simulation and quantitative deformation. Furthermore, we equipped this model with a sense of touch a sense of force by connecting it to a force feedback device. With a patient's 3D image reconstructed from MRI, we will able to perform virtual surgery while taking into account individual differences in organ shape, blood vessel structures and so on. Normally, manipulations of an organ model were limited to the basic surgical manuevers. However, the model in initial stage becomes unmanageable when faced with complicated incisions. Therefore, we modified this model by using a new algorithm for organ deformation which permits various, complicated incisions. The modified sphere-filled model provided the system with a more realistic simulation of various organ manipulations in virtual space.