A VASCULAR CATHETERIZATION SIMULATOR FOR TRAINING AND TREATMENT PLANNING

We have developed a working prototype of an augmented reality based va scular catheterization simulator. The simulator is called daVinci, and provides the interventional radiologist with a ''hands-on,'' user fri endly image based environment to augment training, enhance pretreatmen t planning and design interventional products and devices. daVinci is based on computational modeling of human anatomical images and provide s the user with capabilities for realtime simulated navigation of cath eters in both 2-D and 3-D modeled vessels. In addition, multiplaner CT , MRI and anatomical data sets are incorporated into the simulator to enhance the understanding of anatomical relationships associated with vascular catheterization procedures. The current prototype is designed for peripheral vascular applications. Additional systems are currentl y being considered for both interventional neuroradiology and cardiolo gy. Copyright (C) 1998 by W.B. Saunders Company.