Novel virtual nasal endoscopy system based on computed tomography scans

This study shows a differentiated approach to simulate the nasal endoscopy exam procedure in a virtual system using advanced graphic rendering. Furthermore, it provides a realistic environment for the training of the exam procedure. A method of filtering and remodeling in a triangular mesh is proposed, which can serve as a new model for the simulation system for nasal endoscopy exams and can be used to identify pathologies.

The proposed approach allows developers of new training sets to optimize their applications, transforming the 3D model used in a lighter and more compact file while maintaining the graphic quality, realism, and required processing. Then, it will be possible to prepare practical tests and improve training efficiency. As a result, this study allows the user to obtain the necessary practical skills without risk to actual patients in conditions that resemble the real-life operating room, thus, significantly reducing the number of surgical errors, improving the perception of identification of different pathologies, and serving as a tool that assesses the knowledge and skills developed by professionals. This study also shows the way gamification works in practice, its principles in a simulator system, its importance in practical application, simulator evaluation, and results.

All the simulated procedures in this endoscopy exam were checked and compared with the standard procedure. Compared with simulators based on real-time mesh manipulation rendering, the proposed approach demonstrates its precision in virtual endoscopy through its graphic quality. Consequently, the system developed in this study may be considered accurate and appropriate to be used in standard medical practices. The graphic quality and accessibility of the proposed method make it competitive compared to other methods used in similar applications found in the literature. The file optimization method used in this study makes development and processing agile, and as a result, it is feasible and can serve as a basis for other researchers carrying Fábio de O. SOUSA, et al. Novel virtual nasal endoscopy system based on computed tomography scans 375 out this type of research.

However, this study was limited to simulating nasal endoscopy. The simulation does not use specific hardware and aims to detect only the following pathologies: hypertrophy of turbines, septal deviation, adenoid hypertrophy, nasal polyposis, and tumor.

Therefore, it is necessary to perform a complete medical validation of the system and a deeper quantitative analysis of the results, in addition to surveying the educational impact on medical education institutions. The search for new technologies and updating the literature review can also be considered in the future.