Company Overview:
Simedix is a forward-thinking company rooted in the innovative culture of Sharif Future Processors, specializing in the development of medical simulators. With a focus on enhancing the quality of medical education through advanced technology, Simedix uses virtual reality to create realistic training environments for healthcare professionals.
Product Overview:
OpSim Eye Surgery Simulator, Simedix's flagship product, is designed to offer a high-fidelity simulation of eye surgery procedures. It features modules for cataract and vitreoretinal surgeries, providing a risk-free platform for surgeons to practice and refine their skills. By simulating real-life surgical scenarios, OpSim plays a crucial role in improving surgical outcomes and patient safety.
My Contribution:
In the development of the OpSim Eye Surgery Simulator, our team leveraged the powerful capabilities of Unreal Engine to achieve outstanding graphics and robust programming. To accurately simulate the intricate physics of eye surgery, we incorporated SOFA (Simulation Open Framework Architecture), a framework renowned for its precise soft body and complex physics simulations. This integration was crucial for mimicking the delicate nature of eye tissues and the precise movements required in surgical procedures.
My role in this project was multifaceted and instrumental in bridging the gap between cutting-edge graphics and real-world surgical physics. I spearheaded the development of an advanced eye shader using Unreal Engine, creating a custom shader that enhanced the realism of the eye's appearance and response to surgical interactions. This technical achievement not only improved the visual fidelity of the simulator but also contributed significantly to the immersive experience for users.
Moreover, I played a key role in integrating SOFA with Unreal Engine, enabling the seamless simulation of complex surgical physics within the visually rich environment created by Unreal Engine. This integration was vital for accurately replicating the physical behavior of eye tissues during surgery, enhancing the educational value of the simulator.
Additionally, recognizing the importance of realistic surgical instrumentation and visualization, I contributed to the development of custom hardware integration within Unreal Engine. This included creating a bespoke virtual reality (VR) setup to simulate the surgeon's microscope view, ensuring an immersive and accurate surgical experience. I developed a specialized rendering pipeline for a second window, specifically designed for our custom VR glasses, ensuring that surgeons received a true-to-life view of the surgical field.
Through these contributions, I helped establish a simulation platform that not only boasts exceptional graphical quality but also offers an unparalleled educational experience in eye surgery, pushing the boundaries of medical training technology.
Achevements:
The journey of Simedix with its flagship product, the OpSim Eye Surgery Simulator, has been marked by significant achievements that underscore its innovation and impact in the medical simulation industry:
A milestone achievement for Simedix was the successful export of the OpSim Eye Surgery Simulator to China, marking a significant step in international recognition and adoption. This expansion not only showcases the global demand for high-quality medical simulators but also positions Simedix as a key player in the international medical education market.
OpSim has been recognized for providing a cost-effective alternative to existing eye surgery simulators, with its price being nearly half that of similar devices offered by international competitors. This affordability has made advanced surgical training more accessible to a wider range of institutions and countries.
The integration of Unreal Engine for stunning visuals and SOFA for accurate physics simulations in OpSim set new standards in realism and educational effectiveness in medical simulators. This technological innovation enhances the learning experience, better preparing surgeons for real-life scenarios.
The development of custom hardware for surgical instruments and VR glasses for simulating the microscope view represented a significant technical achievement. These custom solutions not only improved the realism and immersion of the simulation but also demonstrated Simedix’s capabilities in hardware-software integration.
OpSim received widespread acclaim from the academic and medical community, with numerous professors and heads of ophthalmology departments endorsing its effectiveness and realism. These endorsements validate the simulator’s clinical relevance and educational value.
The successful development and launch of OpSim have established Simedix as a pioneer in the field of VR-based medical simulation, contributing significantly to the training and preparation of medical professionals in eye surgery.