Immersive Radiation Experience for Interventional Radiology with Virtual Reality Radiation Dose Visualization Using...

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiology
• Virtual Reality Technology

Background:

• Accurate radiation dose distribution understanding is critical in interventional radiology (IR) to mitigate risks like radiation dermatitis for patients and staff.
• Current visualization methods may not fully support radiation safety efforts, necessitating advanced techniques for dose perception.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present techniques for visualizing radiation dose distribution in IR using virtual reality (VR).
• To accurately estimate air dose distribution for VR dose visualization via Monte Carlo simulation.
• To evaluate the usability and workload associated with the developed VR system.

Main Methods:

• A Monte Carlo-based estimation system for IR was adapted to simulate dose distribution in a virtual IR room.
• Users interacted with the VR system to experience simulated air dose distribution under controlled irradiation parameters.
• Estimated air doses were validated against measurements from radiophotoluminescence glass dosimeters.

Main Results:

• The Monte Carlo simulation results showed a 13.5% average mutual difference compared to dosimeter readings, indicating good accuracy.
• The VR system enabled users to intuitively view and navigate a virtual IR room, observing dynamic dose distribution changes.
• Qualitative tests revealed a significantly lower perceived workload (18.00) for the VR system compared to other medical and computer tasks.

Conclusions:

• The integrated VR and Monte Carlo simulation approach provides an effective tool for intuitive understanding of radiation dose distribution in IR.
• This technology has the potential to significantly enhance radiation safety protocols and reduce radiation-induced injuries.
• The VR system demonstrates high usability and low workload, making it a promising tool for radiation safety training and practice.