Mixed Reality as a Tool for Congenital Heart Disease Case Management Discussions

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Cardiology
• Mixed Reality Technology

Background:

• Congenital heart disease (CHD) diagnosis and management necessitate a 3D spatial understanding, which is often limited by reliance on 2D imaging modalities.
• Multidisciplinary case management conferences (CMCs) are crucial for discussing complex CHD cases, typically involving review of cross-sectional imaging data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of integrating mixed reality (MR) for 3D visualization during CMCs for congenital heart disease.
• To evaluate Heart Center staff perceptions regarding the utility and impact of MR in case discussions and procedural planning.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, single-center study involving multidisciplinary CMCs.
• Utilized EchoPixel True3D to display 3D MR models derived from cardiac CT datasets.
• Administered baseline and post-presentation Likert-scale questionnaires to assess participant feedback and perceptions.

Main Results:

• 93% of participants rated MR model quality as good/excellent, and 75% felt MR improved their understanding of cardiac anatomy.
• 89% of participants supported the regular use of MR in CMCs.
• 82% of surgeons and interventionalists reported improved procedural planning, with 57% modifying their planned approach.

Conclusions:

• Mixed reality imaging is feasible for integration into CMC presentations, offering a valuable 3D visualization tool.
• MR enhances the understanding of complex patient anatomy and positively impacts pre-procedural planning and execution.
• Clinician feedback indicates strong support for the routine adoption of MR in multidisciplinary heart conferences.