| Theme |
Newly developed devices of colonoscope and their prospect in practice |
| Title |
Computer-based endoscopic simulator |
| Author |
Koji Matsuda |
Department of Endoscopy, The Jikei University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Takeshi Suzuki |
Department of Endoscopy, The Jikei University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Kimio Isshi |
Department of Endoscopy, The Jikei University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Haruo Nishino |
Matsushima Colorectal Clinic |
| Author |
Hisao Tajiri |
Department of Endoscopy, The Jikei University School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] |
The advent of ultra-highspeed computers has enabled us to achieve "virtual reality" in many fields. In the field of endoscopy, the GI Mentor system was developed by Simon Bar-Mier, based on flight simulator technology. This is thought to be one of the most sophisticated endoscopic simulators at this time. The characteristics of this simulator are as follows: 1) "virtual" force balloon feedback 2) alarm functions with "virtual" sound 3) virtual skill tests to evaluate the competency of trainees 4) real-time 3-D mapping 5) an automatic back-up log system for each user. We have applied this simulator to trainees' endoscopic education since 2001 September. Our preliminary impression is that this simulator actually enhances the learning curve of the trainees to a greater degree, compared to the classical education system, and has a potential to reduce the risk of complications, due to the lack of adequate experience. |