Short Description
This research group at the FH Upper Austria, Linz Campus focuses on developing hybrid simulators, also called mixed-reality simulators. These consist of an artificial patient, a computer model and real surgical instruments that are equipped with sensors. This concept combines the advantages of the different modalities.
The artificial patient phantom provides medical assistants with realistic haptic feedback. As real instruments and implants are used, surgical interventions can be simulated in a very detailed and realistic way. The use of 3D computer models combined with instruments equipped with sensors allows imaging simulation. Furthermore, it is possible to generate patient-specific training scenarios and to assess surgical interventions by means of objective measures.
The areas of research include:
1. Artificial anatomical structures: Development of artificial bones and tissue with integrated sensor technology (smart artificial tissue)
2. Surgical instrument equipment: Extending real instruments with sensors to measure the position, location, force, pressure and temperature
3. Imaging simulation: Development of algorithms to simulate established imaging procedures (X-ray, ultrasound)
4. Validation of simulators: Biomechanical and medical validation and measuring of learning curves
Contact Person
FH-Prof. DI Dr. Andreas Schrempf
Research Services
Artificial patients: Validated artificial vertebral bodies (in relation to the humane preparation), cement application possible (open-cell
structure), realistic X-ray-contrast
Imaging simulation: Simulated X-ray-projections for image-led interventions (C-arch-position arbitrary selectable)
Computer model: real time 3D-visualization of the anatomy and instruments’ position
Extended instruments: Sensor integration in existing surgical instruments (location, position, force, pressure etc.), wireless data transmission
Methods & Expertise for Research Infrastructure
development of artificial bones and tissue with integrated sensor technology (smart artificial tissue)
extending real instruments with sensors to measure the position, location, force, pressure and temperature
development of algorithms to simulate established imaging procedures (X-ray, ultrasound)
biomechanical and medical validation and measuring of learning curves