Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Investigating the Application and Sustained Effects of Stochastic Resonance on Haptic Feedback Sensitivity in a Laparoscopic Task

Wilcox, Kara Liane
http://orcid.org/0009-0009-2102-1322
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1685033224917263

Abstract Details

2023, Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE), Wright State University, Electrical Engineering.
Stochastic resonance (SR) is a phenomenon that can enhance the detection or transmission of weak signals by adding random noise to a non-linear system. SR introduced into the human motor control system as a subthreshold mechanical vibration has shown promise to improve sensitivity to haptic feedback. SR can be valuable in a laparoscopic surgery application, where haptic feedback is critical. This research sought to find if applying SR to the human motor control system improves performance in a laparoscopic probing task, if the performance differs based on the location of stochastic resonance application, and if there are sustained effects from SR after its removal. Subjects were asked to perform a palpation task using a laparoscopic probe to determine whether a series of simulated tissue samples contained a tumor. Subjects in the treatment groups were presented with a series of samples under the following conditions: Pre-SR, SR applied to the forearm or elbow, and Post-SR. Subjects in the control group did not have SR applied at any point. Performance was measured through the accuracy of tissue assessment, subjects’ confidence in their assessment, and assessment time. Data from 27 subjects were analyzed to investigate the application of stochastic resonance and its sustained effects to improve haptic feedback sensitivity in a simulated laparoscopic task. The forearm group was shown to have significant improvement in the accuracy of tissue identification and sensitivity to haptic feedback with the application of SR. Additionally, the forearm group showed a greater improvement in accuracy and sensitivity than the elbow group. Finally, after SR was removed, the forearm group showed sustained significant improvement in accuracy and sensitivity. Therefore, the experiment results supported the hypotheses that stochastic resonance improves subjects’ performance and haptic perception, that performance improvement differs based on application location, and that subjects’ performance and haptic perception are still enhanced after SR is removed. Improving haptic feedback via stochastic resonance in laparoscopic surgery could improve surgeons' performance, ultimately resulting in better patient outcomes. These results demonstrate that stochastic resonance has the potential to improve and enhance haptic feedback in laparoscopic surgery, and its application can lead to sustained improvement in performance even after its removal. Future research could explore the optimal application parameters of SR in laparoscopic surgery, including length of application and extended studies on the after-effects. Additionally, it would be valuable to evaluate the positive effects of SR on a population that already has some experience with laparoscopic tasks to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits of SR for this application.
Luther Palmer, III, Ph.D. (Advisor)
Caroline Cao, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Katherine Lin, M.D. (Committee Member)
104 p.
Biomedical Engineering; Biomedical Research; Engineering; Health; Health Care; Mechanical Engineering; Surgery
stochastic resonance; weak signals; random noise; non-linear system; human motor control system; laparoscopy; laparoscopic surgery; haptic feedback; performance improvement; palpation; tumor detection; sustained effects; after effects; haptic feedback sensitivity; piezoelectric actuator

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Wilcox, K. L. (2023). Investigating the Application and Sustained Effects of Stochastic Resonance on Haptic Feedback Sensitivity in a Laparoscopic Task [Master's thesis, Wright State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1685033224917263

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Wilcox, Kara. Investigating the Application and Sustained Effects of Stochastic Resonance on Haptic Feedback Sensitivity in a Laparoscopic Task. 2023. Wright State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1685033224917263.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Wilcox, Kara. "Investigating the Application and Sustained Effects of Stochastic Resonance on Haptic Feedback Sensitivity in a Laparoscopic Task." Master's thesis, Wright State University, 2023. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1685033224917263

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

wright1685033224917263
39
© 2023, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Wright State University and OhioLINK.