University of Nottingham
Press Release
PA../04
November 29 2004
Unique virtual reality simulator allowssurgeons to get the feel for brain surgery
A virtual reality simulator that will allow surgeons to practise delicate life-saving operations before ever touching the patient is to be unveiled by academics at The University of Nottingham.
The cutting-edge simulator is the first of its kind in the world to combine realistic three-dimensional computer graphics with technology that allows the surgeon to ‘feel’ as though they are actually touching the brain while they ‘operate’.
The device could be used to train surgeons to a much higher level before they get to the operating theatre, making surgery safer for patients with less risk of complications and reducing the potential for expensive compensation claims that cost the NHS more than £900 million a year.
The simulator has been developed by a multidisciplinary team of researchers led by academics including Dr Michael Vloeberghs, senior lecturer in paediatric neurosurgery in the University’s School of Human Development, and staff from The School of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering and The School of Computer Science and Information Technology.
Funded with £300,000 from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the simulator will be unveiled to brain surgeons from across Europe when they attend a training event at The University of Nottingham from Thursday December 2 to Friday December 3.
Dr Vloeberghs said: “Traditionally a large amount of the training that surgeons get is by observing and performing operations under supervision. However, pressures on resources, staff shortages and new EU directives on working hours mean that this teaching time is getting less and less.
“This simulator will allow surgeons to become familiar with instruments and practice brain surgery techniques with absolutely no risk to the patient whatsoever.
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“The simulator could be used at any stage of training — from the complete novice to experienced surgeons who want to brush up on their skills or perform a ‘dummy run’ of a complicated procedure based on an actual scan of their patient’s brain.”
Surgeons will be given the opportunity to test out the simulator for themselves when they attend the European Continuing Medical Training Conference being held at the Postgraduate Education Centre at the University’s MedicalSchool. The course, ITB for the Treatment of Severe Spasticity in Children with Cerebral Palsy, has been give surgeons training in another medical innovation developed by Dr Vloeberghs — an implant that reduces the spasticity that affects children with cerebral palsy, improving their quality of life.
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Notes to editors:
Photographers and film crews are welcome to come along to the Postgraduate Education Centre, based at the Queen’s Medical Centre, at 4pm on Thursday December 2, to see the virtual brain surgery simulator in action.
Anyone interested in coming along should contact Dr Michael Vloeberghs on +44 (0)115 924 9924 ext 43635, or Press Officer Tim Utton in the University’s Public Affairs Office on +44 (0)115 846 8092,
Film for this story will be available from Research-TV from 12.45pm on Tuesday December 7. For more information about this film and Research-TV, email or call 020 7004 7130.