Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Microfluidic Co-culture of Renal Healthy and Tumor Epithelium to Model Kidney Cancer Progression
Published on: January 31, 2025
Design of functional simulation of renal cancer in virtual reality environments
Bodo E Knudsen1, Gord Campbell, Andrew Kennedy
1Division of Urology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA. knudsen-1@medctr.osu.edu
Objectives:
The preoperative planning of partial nephrectomy can be facilitated by the ability to view the tumor and surrounding tissue in three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality (VR). A technique to convert Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine computed tomography scan data into a fully 3D VR environment was developed. The model can be transferred to a personal computer, allowing the surgeon to view the 3D model in the operating room.
Methods:
Computed tomography data from a patient with multifocal renal masses was converted into a 3D polygonal mesh using Amira running on a desktop personal computer with Windows XP Professional. A Silicon Graphics Monster Onyx2 running the Linux operating system was used to view the 3D stereo model in the VR environments: either the CAVE or a specialized desk called the Immersadesk. An application to view and interact with the model on a desktop personal computer was written in C++.
Results:
A 3D model of the kidney, the multiple tumors, and the associated systems was created. The model could be viewed and manipulated in a true VR environment and on a desktop personal computer.
Conclusions:
This project completed two major goals. First, a 3D model of a kidney containing multiple masses was created and viewed in a VR environment. Second, an interface to display the model on a desktop personal computer in the operating room was created. This is the first step in bringing VR technology to the operating room to assist the surgeon directly.
