Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

The effects of different viewing conditions on performance in simulated minimal access surgery

Huber, J., Taffinder, N., Russell, R. C. G. and Darzi, A. (2003) The effects of different viewing conditions on performance in simulated minimal access surgery. Ergonomics. 46(10), pp. 999-1016. 0014-0139.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: This study aimed to assess performance in simulated minimal access surgery (MAS) tasks under a range of viewing conditions. MAS conventionally uses 2d viewing systems which produce a flat image. However, 3d viewing systems which produce stereoscopic depth information should in principle lead to better depth perception, and improve performance on tasks which require appropriate spatial representation of layout and depth. The study compared a novel 3d viewing system with a state of the art 2d viewing system and a direct viewing condition (‘open surgery’) as a point of reference. Tasks included pulling and cutting of threads using standard surgical instruments. Medical students (n=16) were allocated to viewing conditions according to a Latin square and carried out 120 tasks each. Assessment was by means of a 3d movement tracking device providing a number of performance parameters (time on task, velocity, number of movements, distance travelled). In addition instrument movement was videorecorded and analysed by four observers to validate the tracking device. Results from tracking data and observer data were highly correlated (r40.85). While open surgery naturally scored highest, the key finding was the clearly superior performance in the 3d condition compared to 2d. Thus modern 3d viewing systems can improve performance in a realistic task
Uncontrolled Keywords: 3D vision, motor skills, performance, surgery
Subjects: R Medicine > R Medicine (General) > R735 Medical education. Medical schools. Research
R Medicine > RD Surgery > RD32 Operative surgery. Technique of surgical operations
R Medicine > RD Surgery > RD63 Operating rooms and theaters. Instruments, apparatus, and appliances
Creators: Huber, Jorg, Taffinder, N, Russell, R C G and Darzi, A
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Centre for Health and Wellbeing Research
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Institute of Health and Wellbeing
Research Centres > Centre for Health Sciences and Services
Date: August 2003
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 999-1016
Journal or Publication Title: Ergonomics
Volume: 46
Number: 10
Language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0014013031000109197
ISSN: 0014-0139
Status: Published / Disseminated
Related URLs:
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/5442

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