Integrating Stereoscopic Video with Modular 3D Anatomic Models for Lateral Skull Base Training

Authors

Samuel R. Barber, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona, United States.
Saurabh Jain, Department of Systems and Industrial Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States.
Young-Jun Son, Department of Systems and Industrial Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States.
Kaith Almefty, Division of Neurotology and Lateral Skull Base Surgery, Barrow Brain and Spine, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, United States.Follow
Michael T. Lawton, Division of Neurotology and Lateral Skull Base Surgery, Barrow Brain and Spine, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, United States.Follow
Shawn M. Stevens, Division of Neurotology and Lateral Skull Base Surgery, Barrow Brain and Spine, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, United States.Follow

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Current virtual reality (VR) technology allows the creation of instructional video formats that incorporate three-dimensional (3D) stereoscopic footage.Combined with 3D anatomic models, any surgical procedure or pathology could be represented virtually to supplement learning or surgical preoperative planning. We propose a standalone VR app that allows trainees to interact with modular 3D anatomic models corresponding to stereoscopic surgical videos.  Stereoscopic video was recorded using an OPMI Pentero 900 microscope (Zeiss, Oberkochen, Germany). Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) images segmented axial temporal bone computed tomography and each anatomic structure was exported separately. 3D models included semicircular canals, facial nerve, sigmoid sinus and jugular bulb, carotid artery, tegmen, canals within the temporal bone, cochlear and vestibular aqueducts, endolymphatic sac, and all branches for cranial nerves VII and VIII. Finished files were imported into the Unreal Engine. The resultant application was viewed using an Oculus Go.  A VR environment facilitated viewing of stereoscopic video and interactive model manipulation using the VR controller. Interactive models allowed users to toggle transparency, enable highlighted segmentation, and activate labels for each anatomic structure. Based on 20 variable components, a value of 1.1 × 10 combinations of structures per DICOM series was possible for representing patient-specific anatomy in 3D.  This investigation provides proof of concept that a hybrid of stereoscopic video and VR simulation is possible, and that this tool may significantly aid lateral skull base trainees as they learn to navigate a complex 3D surgical environment. Future studies will validate methodology.

Publication Date

7-27-2021

Publication Title

Journal of neurological surgery. Part B, Skull base

ISSN

2193-6331

Volume

82

Issue

Suppl 3

First Page

e268

Last Page

e270

PubMed ID

34306948

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1055/s-0040-1701675

Recommended Citation

Barber, Samuel R.; Jain, Saurabh; Son, Young-Jun; Almefty, Kaith; Lawton, Michael T.; and Stevens, Shawn M., "Integrating Stereoscopic Video with Modular 3D Anatomic Models for Lateral Skull Base Training" (2021). Neurosurgery. 1447.
https://scholar.barrowneuro.org/neurosurgery/1447