Nicholas Ayache

The goal of surgical simulation is to provide highly realistic training to increase the diffusion of innovative and less-invasive procedures while decreasing the surgeon's learning curve. Consider, for instance, the development and refinement of laparoscopic surgery. In this type of surgery, abdominal operations such as hepatic (liver) resections are accomplished through small incisions. The abdomen of the patient is inflated with gas to create open space inside and a video camera is inserted into the abdomen through one of the small incisions. The video image is magnified and transmitted to a high-resolution monitor, allowing the surgeon to see the abdominal anatomy with great clarity. The surgery is performed using special instruments introduced through the other incisions. The advantages of surgical simulation for the patient include less pain and less strain for the body, faster recovery, and reduced overall illness time. The surgeon, however, must acquire specific skills and develop advanced hand-eye coordination before attempting to perform such a procedure in a real-world setting.