ABSTRACT
Objective To conduct the operation of capture and deformation in virtual three-dimensional (3D) environment with force feedback device and simulate the coronary artery bypass operation. Methods Based on data collected from real CT images of the patient with heart disease, digitized visual model of the heart was reconstructed. Then the bypass vessel was built and the vessel model was sculptured by force feedback device to simulate the bypass surgery from pulmonary artery to ventriculus dexter in Fontan operation. Results Space structure of the heart was shown in the virtual 3D reconstructed environment. Bypass vessel with any diameter and angle was transformed to simulate the coronary artery bypass operation. Heart patch with any size was built to repair the heart model. The satisfactory model and parameters of the postoperative model were finally achieved. Conclusions The application of force feedback device in virtual coronary artery bypass operation sets the stage for cardiovascular surgery planning system with mechanical characteristics to simulate multiple modalities of such operation.