Interactive Cutting in Voxel-Based Objects. Application to Simulate Transurethral Resection of the Prostate

Abstract

Simulating cutting processes of human tissue is an important feature in virtual reality systems for medical training and rehearsal. In this paper we present a method to simulate the cutting operation in voxel-based virtual reality objects intended to simulate volume cutting in transurethral resection of the prostate. The method allows the user to directly interact with the three dimensional model in a manner that simulates dragging a resectoscope loop through the tissue, performing the task in an intuitive, natural manner.