language: en

A Volumetric Approach to Virtual Simulation of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Gregory J. Wiet 1,2 , Roni Yagel 3 , Don Stredney 2 , Petra Schmalbrock 4 ,
Dennis J. Sessanna 2 , Yair Kurzion 3 , Louis Rosenberg 5 , Michael Levin 5 , Kenneth Martin 5
1 Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University Hospitals,
Columbus, OH
2 The Ohio Supercomputer Center,
Columbus, OH
3 Department of Computer and Information Science, The Ohio State University,
Columbus, OH
4 Department of Radiology, The Ohio State University Hospitals,
Columbus, OH
5 Immersion Corporation,
San Jose, CA

Abstract Advanced display technologies have made the virtual exploration of relatively complex models feasible in many applications. Unfortunately, only a few human interfaces allow natural interaction with the environment. Moreover, in surgical applications, such realistic interaction requires real-time rendering of volumetric data - placing an overwhelming performance burden on the system. We report on a collaboration of an interdisciplinary group developing a virtual reality system that provides intuitive interaction with volume data by employing real-time volume rendering and force feedback (haptic) sensations. We describe our rendering methods and the haptic devices and explain its utility of this system in the real-world application of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS) simulation.

1. Introduction