Temporal bone dissection simulation--an update.

We report on our continued development of a virtual simulation for temporal bone dissection that provides stereoscopic display, haptic feedback, and aural simulation into a straightforward, comprehensive learning environment. The multimodal interface provides a seamless simulation for non-deterministic drilling and cutting of bone in the surgical context, as well as an intuitive interface for the intelligent tutor for learning regional anatomy. We present novel methodologies for integrating multimodal and multiresolution data sets, including extension to functional and structural segmentation. We will present our initial efforts to validate this environment. Through continued iterations, it is our hope that the system will provide a valuable tool for training future otologic surgeons as well as an environment for the quantitative evaluation of surgical skill.