3D Surgery? (was: Tests, theses and papers)

[P3D <PTWW@xxxxxxx>]

William Carter wrote:

>> Try explaining to some gall bladder surgeon that 3-D could help him in any
>> way at all. There's always some reason it can't (ever try to tell an M.D.
>> anything?).
>> It's a proven fact that an operation can be made 20 minutes faster in 3-D,
>> simply because threading and sewing go so much faster. To our M.D. it's
>> not a fact. May be true for others, anyway the added expense... additional
>> problems... I've never accidentally clipped (guess it can't be done?!)...
don't
>> like it... bla, bla, bla.

And Mike K. responds, in part:

>P.S. - Practicing doctors *do* seem not to take chances with new ways of
>       doing things unless it's proven to them that it's a better way
>       first, rather than just trying everything that "can be better".

The "Campus Briefs" section of the Nov/Dec 1996 "Texas Alcalde" (alumni
magazine of the University of Texas at Austin) reports:

          Scientists at the University are teaming up with three Houston
          universities to develop a way for surgeons to train in a 3-D
          environment.  Mary Wheeler, a UT engineer, is on the team and
          says UT will begin its research next year.

(That is all the information reported in the magazine though Ms. Wheeler
was "honored" with a small picture next to the item...an extremely
unflattering one, as about 90% of the shadow side of her face is lost
in Zone II oblivion.)

I wondered at first if this might mean an effort may be underway to
convince medical students of the benefits of 3-D before they become
practicing doctors?  But Ms. Wheeler is an engineer, so I also wonder
if this is an attempt to create some sort of 3-D simulation environment.

My office is practically in the shadow of the University, so if anyone is
interested in more information, I can dig up contact information, attempt
to contact Ms. Wheeler's department for additional details, etc.

Paul Talbot


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