This project developed a software prototype to simulate the lumbar puncture procedure.

The clear spatial understanding of the anatomy it provides is extremely important as the procedure must later be performed with minimal visual cues. The software consists of a 3D anatomical dataset, a visualisation module, and a haptic simulation using the Phantom Desktop force feedback device.

The dataset provides the base for both visual and haptic simulation, and covers the area of the back between pelvis and shoulders, including all layers between skin and the spinal canal; no internal organs are included.

The visualisation module includes three orthographic views (back, left and top) where only the bone and skin layers are enabled; these views are optimized to reduce visual clutter to effectively communicate the position of the needle relative to the spine. A large perspective view provides the most flexible visualisation; this view can be freely rotated and scaled using the mouse to look at various aspects of the local anatomy.

Individual tissue layers can be enabled, and a layer sequence is available to teach the order and spatial structure. A small view simulating a miniature camera attached to the tip of the needle provides additional spatial information while performing the procedure.

The user interacts with the application using the Phantom Desktop force feedback device. The haptic simulation calculates the forces you would feel during the procedure depending on the needle position within the body. Additional interaction is provided using the keyboard to show or hide the individual layers and using the mouse to rotate the view.