Objectives¶
The SPECULAR project aims to develop a complete virtual reality training simulator for percutaneous liver tumor ablation procedures, combining physical realism, real-time interactivity, and immersive haptic feedback.
Scientific Objectives¶
Objective 1: Fast and Robust Needle-Tissue Simulation¶
Develop numerical methods capable of simulating complex needle-tissue interactions in real-time while maintaining physical accuracy.
- Challenges: Non-linear deformations, complex contact scenarios, real-time constraints
- Approach: Hybrid simulation combining model order reduction with full-order models locally
- Expected outcomes: Stable simulation at 1kHz for haptic feedback compatibility
Objective 2: Realistic Mechanical Models¶
Integrate advanced mechanical models of soft tissues that capture the complex behavior of liver tissue under needle insertion.
- Material modeling: Non-linear elasticity, viscoelasticity, damage
- Anatomical fidelity: Patient-specific geometry from medical imaging
- Validation: Comparison with experimental data
Objective 3: Haptic Feedback Integration¶
Provide stable and informative force feedback to the user through haptic devices.
- Update rate: Stable 1kHz force computation
- Transparency: Minimal coupling instability
- Realism: Accurate force magnitude and direction
Objective 4: Immersive VR Environment¶
Create a complete operating room environment in virtual reality for training scenarios.
- Visual feedback: Real-time rendering of deformable tissues
- Interaction: Natural manipulation of surgical instruments
- Scenario design: Training curriculum development
Objective 5: Clinical Validation¶
Validate the simulator in a medical training context with clinical experts.
- Usability studies: Interface evaluation with clinicians
- Skill transfer: Assessment of training effectiveness
- Clinical relevance: Comparison with real procedures
Technical Milestones¶
| Milestone | Description | Target | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| M1 | Hybrid simulation framework | Year 1 | Completed |
| M2 | Needle-tissue contact model | Year 2 | Completed |
| M3 | Haptic coupling stable at 1kHz | Year 2 | Completed |
| M4 | VR integration prototype | Year 3 | In Progress |
| M5 | Clinical validation study | Year 4 | Planned |
Secondary Objectives¶
Interdisciplinary Collaboration¶
Foster exchanges between: - Computational mechanics researchers - Computer scientists (simulation, graphics) - Medical professionals (interventional radiology) - Industrial partners (technology transfer)
Open Source Contribution¶
- Integration of developed methods into SOFA (Simulation Open Framework Architecture)
- Publication of datasets and benchmarks
- Sharing of methodological advances
Training and Education¶
- Supervision of 3 PhD theses
- Training of engineers and researchers
- Dissemination through workshops and tutorials
Impact Objectives¶
Scientific Impact¶
- Advance state-of-the-art in real-time soft tissue simulation
- Develop novel hybrid simulation methods
- Contribute to haptic rendering algorithms
Societal Impact¶
- Improve training for minimally invasive procedures
- Reduce risks associated with learning curve in clinical practice
- Potentially decrease healthcare costs through better training
Industrial Impact¶
- Technology transfer through InfinyTech3D
- Commercialization potential for training simulators
- Foundation for future medical simulation products