Simulation of Progressive Cutting on Surface Mesh Model

Surgical simulation is a promising technology for training medical students and surgery planning. An important requirement for such simulation systems is a method to generate realistic cuts through soft tissue models. In this paper, we propose a surface mass-spring model to simulate the virtual cutting operation using an input device such as a haptic device, multi-dimensional joystick, or mouse. We introduce novel algorithms to subdivide the surface and generate interior structures, which follow the motion of the input device. Two types of progressive cutting are supported in our simulator and implementation methods are discussed. Eventually, these cutting techniques will be coupled with a force feedback (haptic) device and be integrated into a training environment for both open surgery and minimally invasive surgery.