Workflow for the Creation of 3D Stereoscopic Models of Supra- and Infratentorial Brain Venous Anatomy and their...

The recent advance in technology allows for the photorealistic digitalization of anatomical specimens that can now be presented through various dynamic visualization modalities, enabling a more interactive learning experience. This study explores a comprehensive workflow for reproducibly integrating photorealistic three-dimensional (3D) anatomical scans of the supra- and infratentorial venous system with stereoscopic visualization and virtual reality (VR) for anatomical learning. A formaldehyde-fixed head and neck specimen was injected with radiopaque dye into its vessels, and a post-mortem computed tomography (CT) venography was performed. A layered anatomical dissection of the intracranial venous system was performed. Photogrammetry surface scanning was employed to create 3D anatomical models, which were then post-processed to produce stereoscopic 3D images and videos using open-source software. In addition, the 3D models were formatted for immersive VR environment integration. Six photorealistic surface models and one CT venography-based reconstruction were generated. These were incorporated into several platforms: multiplayer VR environment using stand-alone headsets, and stereoscopic materials suitable for phone-based VR viewers, 3D multimedia projectors, or 3D monitors with passive or active glasses. These formats supported multiple learning scenarios (VR in single or multiplayer sessions), 3D stereoscopic lectures using 3D multimedia, real-time 3D stereoscopic visualization, or prerecorded videos for phone-based VR visualization. Building on these formats, the proposed workflow enables a realistic and spatially accurate representation of the anatomical data with photorealistic 3D models and facilitates the creation of accessible educational content for 3D stereoscopic presentations and immersive dedicated VR sessions, all through a user-friendly technical approach.