Interactive microsurgical anatomy education using photogrammetry 3D models and an augmented reality cube

Authors

Muhammet Enes Gurses, Department of Neurosurgery, The Loyal and Edith Davis Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
Nicolas I. Gonzalez-Romo, Department of Neurosurgery, The Loyal and Edith Davis Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
Yuan Xu, Department of Neurosurgery, The Loyal and Edith Davis Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
Giancarlo Mignucci-Jiménez, Department of Neurosurgery, The Loyal and Edith Davis Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
Sahin Hanalioglu, Department of Neurosurgery, The Loyal and Edith Davis Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
José E. Chang, Neurosurgery Service, Hospital General-Salvadoran Institute of Social Security, San Salvador, El Salvador.
Habib Rafka, Department of Neurosurgery, The Loyal and Edith Davis Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
Kerry A. Vaughan, Department of Neurosurgery, The Loyal and Edith Davis Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
Dilantha B. Ellegala, Department of Neurosurgery, The Loyal and Edith Davis Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
Michael T. Lawton, Department of Neurosurgery, The Loyal and Edith Davis Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
Mark C. Preul, Department of Neurosurgery, The Loyal and Edith Davis Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.

Document Type

Article

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to assess the use of an augmented reality (AR) tool for neurosurgical anatomical education. METHODS: Three-dimensional models were created using advanced photogrammetry and registered onto a handheld AR foam cube imprinted with scannable quick response codes. A perspective analysis of the cube anatomical system was performed by loading a 3D photogrammetry model over a motorized turntable to analyze changes in the surgical window area according to the horizontal rotation. The use of the cube as an intraoperative reference guide for surgical trainees was tested during cadaveric dissection exercises. Neurosurgery trainees from international programs located in Ankara, Turkey; San Salvador, El Salvador; and Moshi, Tanzania, interacted with and assessed the 3D models and AR cube system and then completed a 17-item graded user experience survey. RESULTS: Seven photogrammetry 3D models were created and imported to the cube. Horizontal turntable rotation of the cube translated to measurable and realistic perspective changes in the surgical window area. The combined 3D models and cube system were used to engage trainees during cadaveric dissections, with satisfactory user experience. Thirty-five individuals (20 from Turkey, 10 from El Salvador, and 5 from Tanzania) agreed that the cube system could enhance the learning experience for neurosurgical anatomy. CONCLUSIONS: The AR cube combines tactile and visual sensations with high-resolution 3D models of cadaveric dissections. Inexpensive and lightweight, the cube can be effectively implemented to allow independent co-visualization of anatomical dissection and can potentially supplement neurosurgical education.

Medical Subject Headings

Humans; Augmented Reality; Photogrammetry; Models, Anatomic; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Microsurgery (education); Neurosurgery (education); Cadaver; Anatomy (education); Neurosurgical Procedures (education, methods); Dissection (education)

Publication Date

7-1-2024

Publication Title

Journal of neurosurgery

E-ISSN

1933-0693

Volume

141

Issue

1

First Page

17

Last Page

26

PubMed ID

38277660

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3171/2023.10.JNS23516

Recommended Citation

Gurses, Muhammet Enes; Gonzalez-Romo, Nicolas I.; Xu, Yuan; Mignucci-Jiménez, Giancarlo; Hanalioglu, Sahin; Chang, José E.; Rafka, Habib; Vaughan, Kerry A.; Ellegala, Dilantha B.; Lawton, Michael T.; and Preul, Mark C., "Interactive microsurgical anatomy education using photogrammetry 3D models and an augmented reality cube" (2024). Neurosurgery. 2006.
https://scholar.barrowneuro.org/neurosurgery/2006