Haptic-based virtual reality simulator for lateral ventricle puncture operation.

BACKGROUND: The implementation of lateral ventricle puncture (LVP) operation is challenging due to the complex anatomy structure of human brains. Surgical simulator has been proved to be effective in surgical training. However, few works consider the integration of visual and haptic feedback. METHODS: Aim at achieving a realistic haptic interaction, this paper proposes a haptic-based virtual reality (VR) simulator for the LVP operation. In this simulator, we first reconstruct the three-dimension (3D) model of human brains for tissue/instrument interaction. Then a preoperative planning method based on geometry analysis is introduced to find the feasible entry point of LVP operation. A hierarchical bounding-box collision detection approach is proposed to render haptic feedback that is transferred to humans. Finally, a set of experiments on the proposed simulator and 3D printed models of human brains is carried out. RESULTS: Two sets of experiments are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed haptic-based simulator: experiments in the simulator and experiments on a 3D printed brain model. The proposed simulator allows neurosurgeons to train the LVP operation by visualizing the 3D virtual human brain and feeling realistic haptic feedback. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that the proposed haptic-based VR simulator can improve the performance of the LVP operation effectively and reduce the operation time.

Facile Preparation of WO3 Nanowires by Bubble-Electrospinning and their Photocatalytic Properties.

BACKGROUND: As a relatively novel and promising method, the bubble electrospinning is to fabricate continuous and uniform nanowires using an aerated polymer solution in an electric field. A large number of oxidized docking nanowires were established on a silicon substrate using the bubble electrospinning, and then using Tungsten Oxide Ammonium (AMT) as an appropriate calcined air with the WO3 sources. WO3 production can enhance its catalytic activity, stability, and can raise its rhodamine B degradation rate as well; the prospect of its wide application. METHODS: The high aspect ratio of WO3 nanowires is successfully prepared by a lightweight bubble electrospinning technique using Polyoxyethylene (PEO) and Ammonium-Tungstate (AMT) as the WO3 precursor after annealing in air at 400, 450 and 500°C, respectively. The products were characterized by SEM, FTIR, XRD, and TG analysis. This Paper reviews the related patents on bubble electrospinning and WO3 nanowires. RESULTS: The results were shown that the diameter of WO3 nanowires ranges from 2µm to 450nm, which varies with the calcination temperature. XRD diffraction and infrared spectroscopy showed that monoclinic crystals were prepared at different calcination temperatures (400, 450 and 500°C). CONCLUSION: In addition, the UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy showed that the fiber had a bandgap energy of 2.63 eV after calcination at 450oC, showing excellent photocatalytic activity in the degradation of Rh B at 245 nm. The preparation of WO3 nanowires by bubble electrospinning method is a feasible patented technology.