Virtual reality training platform for flexible ureterorenoscopy interventions with a minimally invasive surgical robot

Abstract

The total number of ureteroscopy (URS) interventions during the past years has dramatically increased due to the ongoing technological advances and the benefits associated with these techniques. However, the current URS procedure presents some drawbacks to urologic surgeons. The LITHOS project was created with the main objective of developing a surgical robotic system for flexible ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy interventions, offering a technological solution that meets the real needs of both patients and surgeons in this type of procedures. In this paper, a virtual reality environment for flexible ureterorenoscopy interventions is presented. The proposed environment provides a suitable training platform for surgeons manipulating the surgical robotic system.