Suturing
Mimic has been collaborating with University of Washington Human Interface Technology (HIT) Laboratory, the Division of Dermatology, and the Department of Industrial Engineering to develop a realistic, real-time suturing simulator. In June 2002, WTC (Washington Technology Center) awarded R&D funding to support this effort.
The Suturing Simulator is based on Mimic’s real-time finite element (FE) modeling. Software was also developed that allows 3D FE models to be created from medical images and appropriate texture maps to be applied to provide visual realism. Wounds can be added to create a wide variety of scenarios for suturing simulation. High fidelity haptic feedback allows the user to feel the stretching of the tissue, needle puncture through the skin and the cutting of the suture. Real-time color plots allow a user to visualize soft tissue stress resulting from his or her interaction with the soft tissue. Presentations were made to principal dermatologic authorities and members of the Board of Governors of American Academy of Dermatologists, who voiced strong support for future development and future integration into standardized training and certification.
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