Skill assessment based on automatic classification of forceps manipulations

Haptic information is crucial in the execution of precise and dexterous manipulations. During minimally invasive surgery, medical doctors are required to indirectly sense force-related information from body organ tissue via forceps because they cannot directly touch the tissue. The evaluation of force-based skill is critical in the judgment of whether a person has adequate manipulation skills to conduct surgery procedures. Currently, simulation training in minimally invasive surgery is a required component of general surgery residency training. This paper addresses the challenge of skill evaluation during laparoscopic surgery by measuring the force applied to forceps.