Collaborative Surgical Simulation over the Internet

Abstract

Co-Surgeon is an Internet-based tele-simulation surgery system. The system combines 3D surgery simulation with CSCW technology to enable surgeons to collaboratively simulate alternative treatment plans over the Internet. It enables multiple users in remote locations to manipulate 3D anatomical models and to simulate surgical operations while sharing a view of the simulation. In addition, the system can store the simulated procedure so that offline users can later replay it and participate asynchronously. Co-Surgeon can also manage the procedures, facilitating the use of the simulation capability and widening the system's application in surgical education and reference. This article describes Co-Surgeon's design and implementation, and reports results from laboratory tests of a prototype system