Instead of passing through the central instrument channel, the catheter is rerouted through a tube to a linear transducer that tracks how far the catheter has been advanced. Similar tubing connects a guide wire attached to the elevator control with a linear transducer measuring the elevator control position. These small modifications to the Olympus scope do not noticeably alter the weight or feel of the endoscope controls. The ERCP simulation interface also includes a programmable dial and button box that allows the user to select from a set of display and training options. Training sessions can be recorded and then played back from a different perspective.
Buttons can also select from a variety of anatomical models.
In the future, this box will be programmed to present catastrophic, unusual, or classic cases that every student would be exposed to. Training sessions could also incorporate credentialing criteria that would measure performance and skill level. The position and orientation of the scope in the virtual anatomy is determine by how far the endoscope has been advanced and rotated in the simulator interface. Simulation interface with position tracking on the end of the endoscope. If the endoscope is advanced five centimeters into the mouth of the simulator, the virtual endoscope on the display advances five centimeters along the 3D gastrointestinal path in the virtual anatomy.