A Novel Three-Dimensional Interactive Virtual Face to Facilitate Facial Anatomy Teaching Using Microsoft HoloLens

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Anatomy
• Virtual Reality

Background:

• Anatomy education faces challenges due to integrated medical curricula and reduced teaching time.
• Innovations in visual technology like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) are transforming anatomy teaching.
• A mixed reality (MR) virtual face model is presented to aid complex facial anatomy instruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a mixed reality virtual face model for enhanced anatomy education.
• To assess the utility of Microsoft HoloLens for visualizing complex facial anatomy.
• To provide an innovative teaching tool for various educational settings.

Main Methods:

• A 3D virtual face model was constructed using close-range photogrammetry on a dissected fresh-frozen human head.
• High-resolution images were captured from multiple angles using DSLR cameras.
• Image processing software reconstructed the detailed three-dimensional virtual face.

Main Results:

• The mixed reality platform effectively displayed individual facial layers and clinically significant structures with interactive labeling.
• Content validity was confirmed by 12 expert plastic surgeons and dermatologists, showing strong inter-rater reliability.
• The virtual face model demonstrated clear visualization of anatomical details.

Conclusions:

• Microsoft HoloLens provides an immersive and accurate 3D perception of facial anatomy, significantly enhancing learning.
• This MR virtual face model serves as a valuable supplementary teaching tool in undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing medical education.
• It offers an alternative to cadaveric dissection within educational constraints.