Case study – Using virtual reality as a training tool

The “augmented reality” simulator, developed by a team from Leeds Teaching Hospitals and Leeds University’s School of Computing uses virtual reality technology to train people the skill of ultrasound-guided needle insertion.

“Putting a needle in under image guidance is a fundamental first step in a huge range of procedures” says Dr David Kessel, Vascular Radiologist from Leeds Teaching Hospital. “The simulator generates ‘virtual’ images of the internal organs and blood vessels as the user inserts and manipulates a realistic ultrasound probe and needle in the mannequin. If we can get people to work in a system where preparing the patient and all the equipment is second nature, performance will be improved when it’s being done for real.”

The fledgling simulator has already generated a great deal of publicity and to ensure it is successfully commercialised, the project team are now developing a package that includes a validated training regime and performance evaluation in conjunction with the simulator.