# Nucleus pulposus clamping procedures based on optimized material point method for surgical simulation systems

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a real-time simulation method for clamping and removing the nucleus pulposus during a specific spinal surgery, improving training for surgeons.

## Contribution

An improved material point method is proposed for real-time simulation of nucleus pulposus deformation during surgical training.

## Key findings

- The improved method effectively simulates the physical properties and deformation of the nucleus pulposus in real time.
- Volume rendering of the NP and surrounding bones was successfully implemented in a training prototype.
- Simulation experiments and subjective evaluations confirmed the feasibility of the approach for surgical training.

## Abstract

Clamping and removal of the nucleus pulposus (NP) are critical operations during transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy. To meet the challenge of simulating the NP in real-time for better training output, an improved material point method is proposed to represent the physical properties of the NP and compute its deformation in real time. Corresponding volume rendering of the NP and its hosting bones are also presented. The virtual operation procedures are then implemented into a training prototype and subsequently tested through simulation experiments and subjective evaluation. The results have demonstrated the feasibility of the approach.