Doctors' 'virtual' technique

Virtual reality technology could be used to train medical students

Scientists have developed a "virtual glove" that could be used to train doctors to diagnose stomach problems.

Scientists at the University of Buffalo in New York say the glove allows an individual to feel the same sensations a doctor feels while carrying out an examination of the abdomen.

The technology works by attaching a sensor to a doctor's index finger with a thimble-sized cap.

As the doctor presses on the patient's stomach the sensor records every move made by the hand.

Using a powerful graphics computer, the Buffalo researchers applied the data recorded by the sensor to a digital 3-D model of the patient's body.

It mimics the pressure and force of the doctor's fingers on the stomach.

A medical student or another doctor then inserts their finger into a feedback device.

They touch the screen and feel the movements and pressure being applied by the other doctor.

Sense of touch

Dr Thenkurussi Kesavadas, from the University of Buffalo, said: "The device could be used any time physicians would use their sense of touch to make a diagnosis."

He said it could also be used in smaller hospitals where there is no specialist available to carry out the diagnosis.

A doctor could carry out the examination using the sensor and if, for instance, they feel what appears to be a tumour they could send the data across the internet for a second opinion.

It could also help paramedics and casualty doctors to react more quickly to patients with internal bleeding who need surgery.

The glove is likely to be used initially by medical students to allow them to practice with difficult procedures.

The programme will also be able to simulate rare types of tumours and other conditions for students.

Dr Kesavadas estimated that the virtual reality glove will be available commercially within two years.

Thedevice was presented at the World Congress on Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering in Chicago.