A VRML Simulator for Ventricular Catheterisation

One skill that trainees in neurosurgery need to gain early in their training is an appreciation of the ventricular system in the brain, and how to cannulate it in an emergency. The flow of cerebrospinal fluid can be obstructed in the ventricles by many pathological processes leading to a dangerous condition known as hydrocephalus. The pressure within the ventricles can rise leading to loss of consciousness. The ventricular system can be cannulated in the operating theatre, fluid drained and the potentially lethal rise in pressure relieved. This procedure is a commonly performed operation in neurosurgical departments. We decided to model the ventricular catheterisation procedure using VRML (Virtual Reality Modelling Language). The intention is to provide a readily available tool that can be used by neurosurgery trainees to practice the procedure before having to perform it in the operating theatre. Such a training tool does not currently exist. This paper describes the use and implementation of the world’s first VRML simulator for ventricular catheterisation. This work will be used as the basis for the implementation of many more training tools for surgical procedures.