A method and a system for simulating the minimally invasive medical
procedure of bilio-pancreatic duodenoscopy. The system is designed to
simulate the actual medical procedure of bilio-pancreatic duodenoscopy as
closely as possible by providing both a simulated medical instrument, and
tactile and visual feedback as the simulated procedure is performed on
the simulated patient. Particularly preferred features include a
multi-path solution for virtual navigation in a complex anatomy. In
addition, the system and method optionally and more preferably
incorporate the effect of dynamic contrast injection of dye into the
papilla for fluoroscopy. The injection of such dye, and the subsequent
visualization of the bilio-pancreatic organ system in the presence of the
duodenoscope, must be accurately simulated in terms of accurate visual
feedback. In addition, the bilio-pancreatic organ system is optionally
and more preferably modeled as a plurality of splines, most preferably
arranged as a tree of splines or other branched structure. Thus, the
system and method provide a complete solution to the complex and
difficult problem of training students in bilio-pancreatic duodenoscopy
procedures.