A Surgical Simulator for Tympanostomy Tube Insertion Incorporating Capacitive Sensing Technology to Track Instrument Placement
Vilija J. Vaitaitis, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
Michael E. Dunham, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
Yong-Chan Kwon, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University College of Engineering, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
Wyatt C. Mayer, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
Adele K. Evans, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
Amari J. Baker, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University College of Engineering, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
Kyla D. Walker, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University College of Engineering, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
Gabriel D. Cespedes, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University College of Engineering, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
Abishek Stanley, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University College of Engineering, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
Michelle Opiri, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University College of Engineering, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
Abstract
We describe a device engineered for realistic simulation of myringotomy and tympanostomy tube insertion that tracks instrument placement and objectively measures operator proficiency. A 3-dimensional computer model of the external ear and cartilaginous external auditory canal was created from a normal maxillofacial computed tomography scan, and models for the bony external auditory canal and tympanic cavity were created with computer-aided design software. Physical models were 3-dimensionally printed from the computer reconstructions. The external auditory canal and tympanic cavity surfaces were coated with conductive material and wired to a capacitive sensor interface. A programmable microcontroller with custom embedded software completed the system. Construct validation was completed by comparing the run times and total sensor contact times of otolaryngology faculty and residents.
