Design of an interactive lumbar puncture simulator with tactile feedback

A computer-based simulation utilizing high-resolution 3D graphics and a force-feedback device to train students and/or residents in limiter puncture is discussed. The simulator consists of a combination of specialized hardware, custom software running on a high-resolution graphics workstation. The hardware under development for this project is described. The major piece of specialized hardware is the force-feedback needle simulator. Position sensors track the insertion angle or trajectory of the device, while a programmable motor or actuator provides variable resistance to insertion, depending upon which simulated anatomic structures the virtual needle is penetrating. Thus, the student may place the virtual needle at the desired angle and will feel realistic resistance while inserting. If an incorrect trajectory is used and bone is contacted, the resulting sudden sharp increase in resistance would be conveyed.< >