Haptic Interface for the Simulation of Endovascular Interventions
File(s)Harun-HR-2017-PhD-Thesis.pdf (51 MB)
Full thesis
Author(s)
Harun, Hafiz
Type
Thesis
Abstract
Endovascular interventions are minimally invasive surgical procedures that are performed to diagnose and treat vascular diseases. These interventions use a combination of long and flexible instruments known as guidewire and catheter. A popular method of developing the skills required to manipulate the instruments successfully is through the use of virtual reality (VR) simulators. However, the interfaces of current VR simulators have several shortcomings due to limitations in the instrument tracking and haptic feedback systems design. A major challenge of developing physics-based training simulations of endovascular interventional procedures is to unobtrusively access the central, co-axial guidewire for tracking and haptics. This work sets out to explore the state of the art, to identify and develop novel solutions to this concentric occlusion problem, and to perform a validation of a proof of concept prototype. This multi port haptic interface prototype has been integrated with a 3-D virtual environment and features novel instrument tracking and haptic feedback actuation systems. The former involves the use of an optical sensor to detect guidewire movements through a clear catheter, whereas the latter utilises the placement of a customised electromagnetic actuator within the catheter hub. During the proof of concept validation process, both systems received positive reviews. Whilst the haptic interface prototype designed in this work has met the original objectives, there are still important aspects which need to be addressed to improve its content and face validity. With further development, the prototype has the potential to evolve and become a significant improvement over the haptic interfaces that exist today.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2015-11
Date Awarded
2017-02
Copyright Statement
Attribution NoDerivatives 4.0 International Licence (CC BY-ND)
Advisor
Bello, Fernando
Iqbal Saripan, M
Publisher Department
Department of Surgery & Cancer
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)