Virtual 3D patients could be used

Virtual 3D patients could be used to train staff in pin-hole surgery, thanks to work at Bangor University.

The ImaGINe-S simulator uses similar technology as computer games to recreate the feeling of guiding a surgical needle into the body.
The device has already been awarded an European prize for the use of computer graphics in medicine.
The team hope to see it introduced as a training tool within the health service over the next few years.
"What we're trying to do is create a virtual patient that a doctor or nurse can practice on," explained Prof Nigel John from the university's School of Computer Science.
"Rather than them having to practice on you or me, they can have a virtual patient that doesn't scream too much, to work out how to do a procedure."
The user wears 3D glasses to see a projection of a patient, and then moves two hand-held devices that simulate the role of a scanner and needle.