VR Surgical Planning

Surgical planning has been revolutionized by the advent of 360-degree Virtual Reality (VR) technology, providing a transformative tool for surgeons to enhance precision and outcomes.

Surgeons can use this VR environment to meticulously plan their surgical approach. By walking through the virtual model, they can simulate different surgical strategies and maneuvers.

Surgeons can also collaborate in the VR environment, discussing and adjusting surgical plans with colleagues or specialists regardless of their physical location. 

VR technology transforms surgical planning by providing a detailed, interactive 3D view of patient anatomy, enabling precise planning, improving collaboration, and enhancing training. This approach not only boosts the accuracy of surgical procedures but also contributes to better patient outcomes and more effective surgical training.

Key takeaways

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Key benefits: 

1. Immersive Visualization:

Surgeons can view and explore patient-specific anatomical data in a fully immersive environment. By importing CT and MRI scans into a VR platform, these 2D images are transformed into a comprehensive 3D model. This detailed visualization offers a clearer understanding of complex anatomy.

2. Detailed Surgical Planning:

By walking through the virtual model, they can simulate different surgical strategies and maneuvers. This preoperative planning allows for better decision-making regarding incision sites, surgical techniques, and the placement of implants or other medical devices. The ability to interact with the 3D model in real-time helps in anticipating potential complications and refining the surgical strategy before the actual procedure.

3. Enhanced Collaboration:

VR enables surgical teams to collaborate from different locations by sharing a virtual workspace. Surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists can collectively review and discuss the surgical plan in a 3D environment, ensuring that all aspects of the procedure are thoroughly considered.

4. Training and Education:

Surgeons-in-training can practice and explore various surgical techniques within the virtual environment, gaining hands-on experience without the risks associated with real-life procedures. 

Examples of VR in Surgical Planning:

Preoperative Planning:

Surgeons use VR to visualize and interact with 3D models of patient anatomy. For instance, before performing complex spinal surgeries, surgeons can explore the patient’s spine in VR, plan the optimal surgical approach.

Neurosurgery:

In neurosurgery, VR allows surgeons to navigate a 3D reconstruction of the brain to plan the removal of tumors or lesions. Surgeons can simulate various approaches to ensure they avoid critical areas and achieve the best outcome.

Orthopedic Surgery:

VR is employed to plan complex orthopedic procedures, such as joint replacements or fracture repairs. Surgeons can visualize the bone structure and plan the exact placement of implants, helping to reduce the risk of complications and improve the alignment of prosthetics.

Cardiothoracic Surgery:

Surgeons use VR to model the heart and surrounding structures before performing surgeries like valve replacements or coronary artery bypass. This allows for detailed planning of the surgical route and the management of the heart’s complex anatomy.


WHO HAS DONE SURGICAL VR PLANNING?

CASE STUDY: MEDANTA VIRTUAL LIVER SURGERY LAB

Pre-surgical planning and virtual surgery (prior to the actual operation) is done with this system of on-the-fly matching of 3D CT or MRI scans. Using this technology, the percentage of unnecessary surgical explorations for liver, bile duct and gall bladder cancer are less than 1% at Medanta.

The virtual liver surgery lab

is a specialised facility equipped with advanced technology, including the 3-D Myrian CT system. This system utilizes sophisticated imaging techniques to generate detailed three-dimensional models of the liver and its surrounding structures. It provides surgeons with unparalleled clarity in navigating and visualising the complex anatomy of the liver. By creating a virtual environment, this lab enables surgeons to meticulously plan and simulate liver surgeries before performing them on patients, thus enhancing surgical precision and effectiveness.

Preoperative Assessment:

Surgeons can perform thorough evaluations of liver anatomy and identify potential abnormalities, improving the planning phase and anticipating surgical challenges.

Enhanced Navigation:

Real-time dynamic imaging during surgery enables precise navigation, helping surgeons avoid vital structures and minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

Training and Simulation:

The virtual lab offers invaluable training opportunities by simulating various surgical scenarios, enhancing surgeons' skills and confidence while reducing the risk of errors.