Challenge to Solve
Training surgeons for complex procedures requires more than just visual guidance. It demands a deep understanding of human anatomy and surgical technique to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Immersive technologies have increasingly proven their value in surgical education.
In 2024, VirtualiSurg and J&J MedTech France developed an XR training module for Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) surgery, using a VR headset, VR controllers, and a haptic Geomagic Touch robot by 3D Systems to simulate surgical navigation. While this served as a strong foundation for procedural training, it still lacked the full sensory realism that is needed to replicate the surgery’s conditions.
Implementation of Haptic Gloves
VirtualiSurg partnered with SenseGlove to further enhance their XR simulation for ALIF surgery training, integrating the Nova 2 haptic gloves into the training experience. Linked to the Geomagic Touch robotic arm via a custom 3D-printed mount, the Nova 2 gloves allowed trainees to feel the tactile sensations surgeons experience during this type of surgery. The combination of force feedback and active palm feedback from the gloves, as well as the grounded force feedback provided by the robotic arm, let users perceive the stiffness and resistance of different tissues and organs on the palm of their hand as they navigated through the abdomen to access the lumbar spine.
Results
The integration of the Nova 2 haptic gloves into this ALIF XR simulation considerably elevated the intuitiveness and immersion of the surgical training experience. The added force feedback from the haptic gloves helps reinforce hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and anatomical complexity understanding—critical aspects to master when carrying out delicate surgical procedures like ALIF. This haptics-enabled XR training can translate into improved procedural skill acquisition, a boost in trainee confidence, and a more accurate replication of surgical tasks, bridging the gap between XR training and real-world operating room performance. Haptic gloves can be a transformative tool for optimizing training within the healthcare sector.
