Surgical Simulation: It's Not Only for Training

A simulation can be defined as a mathematical model of the known world whose results are consistent with known outcomes.  As of now, many programs and devices have been created to simulate medical conditions and procedures, but very few are marketed commercially.  Most medical stimulations exist only as prototypes.  Although many companies are involved in this industry, there is little coordination between them.  Perhaps this disorganization will be resolved as simulations come to play a greater role in both medical training and medical practice.    

Simulations can be classified as either top-down or bottom-up, depending on how they function.  Top-down simulations mimic a bit of reality using whatever mathematical system seems most convenient.  These simulations can be effective and valuable, but they are inherently task-specific.  Bottom-up simulations, which are based on biophysical principles, are more desirable.  Simulations of this type can be generalized because they translate known biomechanics into engineering mechanics and use meaningful internal variables. 

As technologies such as parallel processing and quantum computing are developed, computer power is becoming available to perform complex and realistic physical calculations.  Someday, bottom-up simulations may be able to produce patient-specific predictions.  Patient-specific simulations would require a lot of input data, but if created, they would allow surgeons to simulate procedures and test their effectiveness before trying them on a living patient.  In this way, simulations may come to play an important role in medical care in addition to the role they already play in physician training.   

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