Soft-Tissue Deformation Model for Virtual Reality-Based Surgery Training Using Unity3D

Virtual reality (VR)-based robotic surgery training has received significant research focus over the past couple of decades. The overarching objective of virtual surgical training is to offer trainee surgeons a realistic learning experience, which necessitates the integration of realistic and interactive soft-tissue deformation models. In this paper, we present a modified mass-spring-damper model that incorporates two distinct spring types: structural springs and rest-position springs. A surface triangular mesh was employed to enhance the computational efficiency. Successful tuning of the model parameters, including the stiffness and damping parameters, resulted in satisfactory performance. The simulation results revealed both real-time computational efficiency and realistic deformation outcomes. The exhibited capabilities of this algorithm highlight its potential for applications involving real-time simulations, particularly within the domain of VR-based surgical training.