Abstract:

Stereoscopic vision gathers the three-dimensional visual information and creates an illusion of deepness within an image. The use of stereoscopic visualization systems in medical training through immersive systems is a very useful teaching resource when learning and acquiring the skills that effectively contribute to achieving the necessary competencies for professional practice.

Its use is evident when teaching different medical specialties, however it particularly stands out in anatomy and surgery.
In this study, we present a practical example of the use of these technology tools applied to the virtual visualization of an operating room. The technological application we have developed allows entering an artificial situation through the use of 3D vision glasses, where the user can perceive virtual situations created by the system as if they were real. Thus, an effective training prior to the real situation that the student will face later is achieved.

An operating room in a hospital is a very restricted area because it has to maintain a controlled environment to conduct sterile and aseptic techniques, making its use difficult for trainees. The use of virtual reality devices through stereoscopic headsets facilitate an approach and training similar to the reality that they will face.

The model of the glasses in our study was Oculus Rift Development Kit 2. This device has a Software Development Kit (SDK) that integrates tools to develop virtual environments in some of the most popular development platforms (Unreal Development Kit, Unreal Engine or Unity).

With this system we assess the main and basic elements that health science users should know to work in an operating room. With this application the user can evaluate all the surrounding elements in an operating room, from the walls and ceilings, and ventilation and illumination systems, to the different equipment like the oxygen and anesthetic gases; the operating table, the hemodynamic monitor and the furniture (stools, tables with the necessary instruments for a surgical intervention, etc.), with their specific location and layout in the room.

While we still have to work on several technical aspects to make our brain have a more complete presence (for example eliminating physical discomfort related to the use of the VR glasses), we believe that these type of spatial vision technology tools, used correctly and taking the necessary precautions, can definitely contribute to the improvement of medical training processes. We think that a carefully designed virtual experience can provide the user (student) with a sense of control over the environment, even though it is not real, and greatly facilitate the learning and training processes in medicine.

Keywords:

Stereoscopic view, 3D glasses, inmersive system, Medical training.