Section: Overall Objectives

Challenges

Our main objectives for the evaluation period were to propose a number of solutions for more realistic, and faster simulations in the context of medical training. The main idea is that the simulations we develop should be computed in real (or near real) time, and that the presence of a user in the loop should be accounted for (through the use of dedicated hardware devices, haptic feedback and robust algorithms). This requires to develop accurate models, coupled with fast and robust computational strategies. The research directions we propose to follow essentially aim at improving the realism and fidelity of interactive simulations of medical procedures. This increase in realism will permit to address new clinical applications, in particular pre-operative planning and per-operative guidance, that currently rely on imaging techniques, but could greatly benefit from simulation techniques, thus enabling what we call simulation-guided therapy. We have identified several key areas where important improvements remain necessary to reach these objec- tives. Most of these research areas are at the intersection between several scientific domains. They include real-time biophysical models (to define new models describing soft tissue deformation or physiological phenomena, and to develop computational strategies to enable real-time computation even for complex models), interaction models (to compute tissue-tool interactions, and to model complex systems as a combination of different models), and models of therapy (to describe the action of medical devices on the anatomy whether this action is mechanical, electrical or chemical). The SOFA framework will be used to synthesize our various contributions and integrate them in a series of prototypes. These prototypes will span across several clinical areas and will serve as a basis for transitioning from training to planning to guidance. To pursue these directions we have assembled a team with a multidisciplinary background, and have established a series of key collaborations, with academic and clinical partners. We also leverage the work done through a national initiative on medical simulation and the SOFA framework in order to accelerate our research activities and deliver proofs of concepts. And in 2011, we took the opportunity to strengthen our clinical environment by participating to the creation of (and then joining) the IHU in Strasbourg.