3D Holographic images of patient organs prepared from DICOM data are helping surgeons achieve better surgical outcomes
Key Takeaways:
- Surgeons can get a head start by studying 3D virtual reality models of their patient organs before performing the actual surgery.
- The availability of holographic images of the patients’ organs can help achieve better surgical outcomes.
- With holographic imaging technology, patients can better understand the surgical procedure they are about to go through.
- Intravision XR automatically visualizes 3D models of patient organs using CT scans or MRIs.
In the modern surgical landscape, surgeons now have access to holographic images of the actual patient organs that the surgery will affect. Surgeons can use these 3D virtual reality models not only for pre-operative preparations but also for better patient informed consent, collaboration with other clinicians and real-time intraoperative surgical guidance, easily sharing with other experts and improving communication around the procedure.
These holographic images, or digital 3D models, allow surgeons to visualize patient anatomy in a more comprehensive way than 2D imaging. The technology enables deeper insights into the three-dimensional relationships of patient structures that translates into a huge advantage compared to viewing a two-dimensional image of a patient’s organ.
Study of 3D modeling technology used in kidney tumor surgeries
A study of 3D models of tumor-affected patient kidneys has shown terrific results. The study revealed that when surgeons used the 3D models of affected kidneys for pre-operative preparation, the surgeons were able to perform the operations in a much more efficient way.
In the study, there were two groups of patients with kidney tumors. One group was designated as the control group, whereas the other was the intervention group. The patients in the control group were evaluated only on the basis of their CT scans and MRI reports. The intervention group was pre-operatively analyzed using CT scans and MRIs as well as the 3D virtual reality models of the kidneys.
The results suggest that the organ anatomy visualization in a multicolored 3D format gave the surgeons a much deeper comprehension of the organ structures and their relationship with each other. This better understanding of organ structures proved to be an excellent aid in planning the surgery.
The study was based on kidney tumors, but the benefits of 3D modeling are not limited to a specific organ. Cancer operations involving other organs, such as the pancreas, liver, lung, and prostate, can also be improved using holographic or 3D modeling technology. The technology also encompasses cardiovascular, craniomaxillofacial, and orthopedic applications.
DICOM data conversion into 3D anatomical models
3D imaging technology is going to change the way surgeries take place. It is, therefore, important for clinicians to have a basic understanding of how these images are acquired.
CT scan and MRI data are stored in DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) format. Patient-specific models that are AR and VR compliant can be generated from this stored data, once the segmentation of anatomical structures takes place. The generated structures can then be transformed into virtual 3D models.
The quality of AR and VR models generated from DICOM data is improving rapidly. The 3D and holographic imaging technology are being used in patient communication, informed consent, educational tools, procedure rehearsal, and pre-operative planning. However, creating 3D and holographic images from DICOM data can be a complicated process. That’s where Intravision XR makes things easy.
Intravision XR
Intravision XR is a 3D modeling solution that is different from any other options available today. With Intravision XR, the model creation process is automated. Human intervention is not needed; the software will visualize fully formed 3D models from DICOM datasets of CT scans and MRIs wherever and whenever needed within minutes without any post-processing.
3D models visualized by Intravision XR provide state-of-the-art results. The models depict complete anatomical details of patient organs, including spatial relationships of the internal structures. Clinicians can easily view anomalies, neoplasms, and organ vasculature within the region of interest.
Intravision XR promises all the benefits of the 3D modeling technology that may be needed in a surgical setting — in an efficient, time-sensitive, and cost-effective manner. It promises fast results with no need for any post-processing. Being a cloud-based platform, it also gives clinicians the option to share images in real-time with experts located in different parts of the world.
For more information about Intravision XR, please contact us today.