Three-Dimensional Modeling and Extended Reality Simulations of the Cross-Sectional Anatomy of the Cerebrum, Cerebellum, and Brainstem

Muhammet Enes Gurses, The Loyal and Edith Davis Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.Follow
Sahin Hanalioglu, The Loyal and Edith Davis Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
Giancarlo Mignucci-Jiménez, The Loyal and Edith Davis Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
Elif Gökalp, Department of Neurosurgery, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
Nicolas I. Gonzalez-Romo, The Loyal and Edith Davis Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
Abuzer Gungor, Department of Neurosurgery, Yeditepe University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.
Aaron A. Cohen-Gadol, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
Uğur Türe, Department of Neurosurgery, Yeditepe University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.
Michael T. Lawton, The Loyal and Edith Davis Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.Follow
Mark C. Preul, The Loyal and Edith Davis Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.

Document Type

Article

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Understanding the anatomy of the human cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem and their 3-dimensional (3D) relationships is critical for neurosurgery. Although 3D photogrammetric models of cadaver brains and 2-dimensional images of postmortem brain slices are available, neurosurgeons lack free access to 3D models of cross-sectional anatomy of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem that can be simulated in both augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). OBJECTIVE: To create 3D models and AR/VR simulations from 2-dimensional images of cross-sectionally dissected cadaveric specimens of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. METHODS: The Klingler method was used to prepare 3 cadaveric specimens for dissection in the axial, sagittal, and coronal planes. A series of 3D models and AR/VR simulations were then created using 360° photogrammetry. RESULTS: High-resolution 3D models of cross-sectional anatomy of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem were obtained and used in creating AR/VR simulations. Eleven axial, 9 sagittal, and 7 coronal 3D models were created. The sections were planned to show important deep anatomic structures. These models can be freely rotated, projected onto any surface, viewed from all angles, and examined at various magnifications. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this detailed study is the first to combine up-to-date technologies (photogrammetry, AR, and VR) for high-resolution 3D visualization of the cross-sectional anatomy of the entire human cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. The resulting 3D images are freely available for use by medical professionals and students for better comprehension of the 3D relationship of the deep and superficial brain anatomy.

Publication Date

4-21-2023

Publication Title

Operative neurosurgery (Hagerstown, Md.)

E-ISSN

2332-4260

PubMed ID

37083688

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1227/ons.0000000000000703

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