Interactive presurgical simulation applying advanced 3D imaging and modeling techniques for skull base and deep...

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Imaging
• Virtual Reality

Background:

• Skull base and deep tumor surgeries present significant challenges due to complex 3D anatomy.
• Traditional 2D imaging often limits the comprehensive understanding required for intricate surgical approaches.
• Novel simulation methods are needed to improve presurgical planning and surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel presurgical simulation method for skull base and deep tumor surgery.
• To utilize interactive virtual simulation (IVS) with 3D computer graphics (CG) data.
• To incorporate microscopic observation of color-printed plaster models derived from CG data.

Main Methods:

• Developed a presurgical simulation using 3D CG data from radiological images for 25 operations in 23 patients.
• Employed interactive virtual simulation (IVS) with a haptic device to mimic surgical procedures.
• Created color-printed plaster models from modified 3D CG data for microscopic observation.

Main Results:

• IVS provided detailed, realistic surgical perspectives, aiding in determining feasible surgical approaches for all patients.
• Surgeons rated IVS as highly useful in 44% of cases for understanding complex 3D microsurgical anatomy.
• Microscopic observation of plaster models further confirmed realistic surgical anatomies in 12 patients.

Conclusions:

• The presurgical simulation method offers a realistic virtual environment for practicing microsurgery.
• It effectively aids in understanding complex anatomy, optimizing surgical strategies, and educating neurosurgical trainees.
• This technique is particularly beneficial for surgeries involving skull base and deep tumors.