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Negating the fulcrum effect in manual laparoscopic surgery: Investigating skill acquisition with a haptic simulator
Author(s) -
Spiers Adam J.,
Baillie Sarah,
Pipe Tony G.,
Asimakopolous George
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the international journal of medical robotics and computer assisted surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.556
H-Index - 53
eISSN - 1478-596X
pISSN - 1478-5951
DOI - 10.1002/rcs.1837
Subject(s) - haptic technology , computer science , dreyfus model of skill acquisition , laparoscopic surgery , simulation , laparoscopy , surgery , medicine , economics , economic growth
Background Manual laparoscopic surgery requires extensive training and familiarization. It has been suggested that motion inversion caused by the ‘fulcrum effect’ is key to motor challenges. We investigate the potential of a conceptual semi‐robotic handheld tool that negates natural inversion. Methods A custom laparoscopic simulator with haptic feedback was developed to allow interactive evaluation of the conceptual tool via virtual prototyping, prior to fabricating a physical prototype. Two groups of eight participants each used either the conceptual or a regular virtual tool over a ten week study to complete two abstract tasks of motor control and force regulation. Results Statistically significant higher rates of skill improvement were demonstrated with the conceptual tool for motion efficiency, task completion time and error reduction. Force regulation increased for both groups but without significant differences. Conclusions The results indicate potential for fulcrum‐negating hand tools in reducing the time needed to acquire motor skills.