Biomedical Interactive Technology Center
Computer Simulation of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP)
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP) is a minimally invasive technique for evaluating and treating pathologic conditions of the biliary and pancreatic ducts. The major benefit of ERCP is that it allows patients to avoid more invasive surgical or radiological procedures, and the therapeutic applications of ERCP significantly lower the risk of infection, speed recovery time, and reduce the cost of delivering care. However, while ERCP provides the patient with substantial advantages over traditional methods, ERCP requires advanced skills and extensive experience to minimize the risk of complications. The Biomedical Interactive Technology Center is working with the Medical College of Georgia to develop an interactive computer simulation that will improve training of ERCP skills. The simulator consists of several physical components and several "virtual" or computer generated components. The physical components form the interface through which the physician performs the procedure in the simulated environment.
The simulated session begins as an endoscope is inserted through the "mouth" of the simulator. The endoscope is guided into position using standard endoscopic techniques. Two display options are provided: the view that would be seen through the optics on the endoscope, and a view of the endoscope in relation to the surrounding anatomy. The second view is not available in real life, but this view may help training physicians to better understand the 3D geometry and positioning maneuvers. Both views are computer generated imagery of the virtual anatomy. The stomach, duodenum, and papilla are represented by three-dimensional computer models that are texture mapped with photographic images of the anatomy acquired during endoscopic examinations.
A paper submitted to the Medicine Meets Virtual Reality (MMVR4) conference on the ERCP simulation is also available.