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The LiverSurgeryTrainer: training of computer-based planning in liver resection surgery

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International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose The training of liver surgeons depends on local conditions such as the specialization of the clinic, the spectrum of cases, and the instructing surgeons. We present the LiverSurgeryTrainer a software application to support the training of prospective surgeons in preoperative decision making.

Methods The LiverSurgeryTrainer visualizes radiological images, volumetric information, and interactive 3D models of patients’ liver anatomy. In addition, it provides special interaction techniques and tools to perform individual resections on the training data. To assess the correctness of decisions made by the learner, comments and decisions from experienced liver surgeons are provided for each case. To complete the case, additional material concerning the actual surgery (e.g., videos, reports) is presented. The application workflow is derived from a scenario-based design process and is based on an instructional design model.

Results The LiverSurgeryTrainer was evaluated in several steps. A formative usability evaluation identified workflow and user interface flaws that were resolved in further development process. A summative evaluation shows the improvement of the LiverSurgeryTrainer in nearly all analyzed aspects. First results of a learning success evaluation show that learners experience a learning effect.

Conclusion Our training system allows surgeons to train procedures and interaction techniques for computer-based planning of liver interventions. The evaluations showed acceptance and usability.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) in the framework of the SOMIT-FUSION project (FK 01|BE 03B). We appreciate the provision of advanced MeVisLab features by Fraunhofer MEVIS, Bremen, Germany. Conflict of interest None.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Simulation and Graphics, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany

    Jeanette Mönch & Bernhard Preim

  2. SelectLine Software GmbH, Magdeburg, Germany

    Konrad Mühler

  3. Institute for Medical Image Computing, Fraunhofer MEVIS, Bremen, Germany

    Christian Hansen

  4. Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Asklepios Clinic Barmbek, Hamburg, Germany

    Karl-Jürgen Oldhafer & Gregor Stavrou

  5. Department of General, Visceral and Thorax Surgery, Clinic Reinbek St. Adolf Stift, Hamburg, Germany

    Christian Hillert

  6. Department of Hepatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany

    Christoph Logge

Authors
  1. Jeanette Mönch
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  2. Konrad Mühler
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  3. Christian Hansen
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  4. Karl-Jürgen Oldhafer
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  5. Gregor Stavrou
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  6. Christian Hillert
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  7. Christoph Logge
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  8. Bernhard Preim
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Correspondence to Jeanette Mönch.

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Mönch, J., Mühler, K., Hansen, C. et al. The LiverSurgeryTrainer: training of computer-based planning in liver resection surgery. Int J CARS 8, 809–818 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11548-013-0812-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11548-013-0812-z

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