A Framework for the Design of a Novel Haptic-based Medical Diagnostic Simulator

This work presents a framework for the design of a haptic-based ultrasound medical diagnostic simulator that can be used for ultrasound training as well as examination. The proposed simulator is composed of a PC workstation, a PHANToMTMhaptic device and a modular software package that allows for visual feedback and kinesthetic interactions between the operator and multi-modality image databases. Thus, the system emulates a real ultrasound examination condition at hospital, which is enhanced with augmented CT and/or MRI images. Low-level details of the software structure that can be migrated to other similar medical simulators is described. Preliminary human factors study conducted on the prototype of the developed simulator demonstrated potential for clinical training and remote examination purposes.