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Semin Plast Surg 2000; 14(2): 105-118
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-8431
New Perspectives

© 2000 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Virtual Reality Becomes Reality in Plastic Surgery

Chantal L. Rawn, Paul J. Gorman, William P. Graham III , Thomas M. Krummel, Donald R. Mackay
  • C.L.R. Researcher, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
  • P.J.G., Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
  • W.P.G., Professor of Surgery and Anatomy, Division of Plastic Surgery, The Hershey Medical Center, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
  • T.M.K., Chairman, Department of Surgery; Professor, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
  • D.R.M., Associate Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics; Chief, Division of Plastic Surgery, The Hershey Medical Center, Penn State University College of Medicine
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2000 (online)

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ABSTRACT

With the new millennium upon us, the increasing use of computers and the Internet are forcing us to evaluate our traditional methods of surgical training and practice. The conventional surgical education method of “see one, do one, teach one” does not sufficiently address the need to achieve standardized, reproducible, and safe teaching methods. Current constraints imposed by managed care require cost-effective and efficient means to educate and evaluate future surgeons. Advances in visualization, instrumentation, and computing power have led to developments in virtual reality (VR) and simulation. The advent and growth of this technology offers an effective means of addressing concerns regarding plastic surgical training, education, and practice in the modern healthcare environment.

Keywords

Virtual reality - simulation - computer-assisted surgery - plastic surgery training - preoperative planning

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