Simulating Obstetric Forceps Delivery in an Augmented Environment

During the process of human childbirth, obstetric forceps delivery is a justified alternative to Caesarean section when normal vaginal delivery proves difficult or impossible. Currently, training of forceps interventions is done directly on patients due to the lack of realistic training facilities. The research presented in this paper demonstrates a first implementation of an obstetric forceps simulation in an augmented environment. Currently, the simulation allows an obstetrician to manipulate a real forceps whilst rotating and extracting a virtual fetus from the birth canal. Deformations of the baby`s skull, as a result of the forceps manipulation, are then calculated, hence providing diagnostic information of the intervention. Further development of the simulation includes haptic feedback to turn it into a useful training tool for junior obstetricians and other medical professionals.