ElePhant--an anatomical electronic phantom as simulation-system for otologic surgery.

Ronny Grunert (1) , Gero Strauss (1, 2) , Hendrick Moeckel (1) , Mathias Hofer (1, 2) , Antje Poessneck (1) , Ulrich Fickweiler (2) , Mario Thalheim (1) , Ronny Schmiedel (3) , Pierre Jannin (4) , Thomas Schulz (5) , Jens Oeken (6) , Andreas Dietz (1, 2) , Werner Korb (1)

1 ICCAS - Innovation Center Computer Assisted Surgery
2 Department of Otorhinolaryngology - plastic surgery [Leipzeig]
3 Department of Biomedical Technology [Leipzig]
4 VisAGeS - Vision, Action et Gestion d'informations en Santé
5 Department of Diagnostic Radiology
6 Department of Otorhinolaryngology [Chemnitz]

This paper describes the ElePhant (Electronic Phantom)-an anatomical correct simulation system based on 3D rapid prototyping models for the otologic intervention "Mastoidectomy". The anatomical structures of the head are created with plaster as base material using 3D-printing as rapid prototyping technology (RPT). Structures at risk, represented by electrically conductible material and fiber optics, are realized as an electric circuit and can be detected during the simulation of the surgical procedure. An accuracy study of 15 identical RPT-models compared to the 3D reconstructed CT-dataset of the patient showed that the mean accuracy is lower than the reconstructed CT layer thickness of 0.5 mm. An evaluation study of the ElePhant-system for "Mastoidectomy" was performed by 7 ENT-surgeons. The mean value of the study questionnaire (evaluation range from -2 (not at all) to +2 (very good)) was +1.2. The results showed that the ElePhant can simulate "Mastoidectomy" realistically. It is especially suitable for the simulation of the correct representation and position of the anatomical structures, realistic operation setting, and realistic milling properties of the bone structure. Furthermore it is applicable for training of surgeons.

Domaines: Ingénierie biomédicale

Ronny Grunert, Gero Strauss, Hendrick Moeckel, Mathias Hofer, Antje Poessneck, et al.. ElePhant--an anatomical electronic phantom as simulation-system for otologic surgery.. Conference proceedings : .. Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Annual Conference, 2006, 1, pp.4408-11. ⟨10.1109/IEMBS.2006.260542⟩. ⟨inserm-00332755⟩