A review of virtual cutting methods and technology in deformable objects

Background Virtual cutting of deformable objects has been a research topic for more than a decade and has been used in many areas, especially in surgery simulation. Methods We refer to the relevant literature and briefly describe the related research. The virtual cutting method is introduced, and we discuss the benefits and limitations of these methods and explore possible research directions. Results Virtual cutting is a category of object deformation. It needs to represent the deformation of models in real time as accurately, robustly and efficiently as possible. To accurately represent models, the method must be able to: (1) model objects with different material properties; (2) handle collision detection and collision response; and (3) update the geometry and topology of the deformable model that is caused by cutting. Conclusion Virtual cutting is widely used in surgery simulation, and research of the cutting method is important to the development of surgery simulation.