Development and validation of a virtual reality transrectal ultrasound guided prostatic biopsy simulator

Authors

  • Venu Chalasani Departments of Surgery & Oncology, Divisions of Urology & Surgical Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON
  • Derek W. Cool Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON
  • Shi Sherebrin Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON
  • Aaron Fenster Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON
  • Joseph Chin Departments of Surgery & Oncology, Divisions of Urology & Surgical Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON
  • Jonathan I. Izawa Departments of Surgery & Oncology, Divisions of Urology & Surgical Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.554

Abstract

Objective: We present the design, reliability, face, content and
construct validity testing of a virtual reality simulator for transrectal
ultrasound (TRUS), which allows doctors-in-training to perform
multiple different biopsy schemes.

Methods: This biopsy system design uses a regular “end-firing”
TRUS probe. Movements of the probe are tracked with a micromagnetic
sensor to dynamically slice through a phantom patient’s
3D prostate volume to provide real-time continuous TRUS views.
3D TRUS scans during prostate biopsy clinics were recorded.
Intrinsic reliability was assessed by comparing the left side of the
prostate to the right side of the prostate for each biopsy. A content
and face validity questionnaire was administered to 26 doctors to
assess the simulator. Construct validity was assessed by comparing
notes from experts and novices with regards to the time taken and
the accuracy of each biopsy.

Results: Imaging data from 50 patients were integrated into the
simulator. The completed VR TRUS simulator uses real patient
images, and is able to provide simulation for 50 cases, with a
haptic interface that uses a standard TRUS probe and biopsy needle.
Intrinsic reliability was successfully demonstrated by comparing
results from the left and right sides of the prostate. Face and
content validity respondents noted the realism of the simulator,
and its appropriateness as a teaching model. The simulator was
able to distinguish between experts and novices during construct
validity testing.

Conclusions: A virtual reality TRUS simulator has successfully been
created. It has promising face, content and construct validity results.

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Author Biographies

Venu Chalasani, Departments of Surgery & Oncology, Divisions of Urology & Surgical Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON

Derek W. Cool, Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON

Shi Sherebrin, Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON

Aaron Fenster, Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON

Joseph Chin, Departments of Surgery & Oncology, Divisions of Urology & Surgical Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON

Jonathan I. Izawa, Departments of Surgery & Oncology, Divisions of Urology & Surgical Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON

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How to Cite

Chalasani, V., Cool, D. W., Sherebrin, S., Fenster, A., Chin, J., & Izawa, J. I. (2013). Development and validation of a virtual reality transrectal ultrasound guided prostatic biopsy simulator. Canadian Urological Association Journal, 5(1), 19–27. https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.554

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 1 (2011): February

Section

Original Research

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