A Research Framework for Virtual-Reality Neurosurgery Based on Open-Source Tools

• Published in: Proceedings (IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces. Online) pp. 922 - 924
• Main Authors: Fiederer, Lukas D. J., Alwanni, Hisham, Volker, Martin, Schnell, Oliver, Beck, Jurgen, Ball, Tonio
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 01.03.2019
• Subjects: 3D imaging; Biomedical imaging; Brain modeling; Health informatics; Human-centered computing-Interaction devices-Haptic devices; Human-centered computing-Interaction paradigms-Virtual reality; Image segmentation; Imaging; Medical technologies; Neurosurgery; Solid modeling; Three-dimensional displays; Virtual reality
• ISSN: 2642-5254
• DOI: 10.1109/VR.2019.8797710

Fully immersive virtual reality (VR) has the potential to improve neurosurgical planning. However, there is a lack of research tools for this area. We present a research framework for VR neurosurgery based on open-source tools. We showcase the potential of such a framework using clinical data of two patients and research data of one subject. As first step toward practical evaluations, certified neurosurgeons positively assessed the VR visualizations and interactions using head-mounted displays. Methods and findings described in our study thus provide a foundation for research and development of versatile and user-friendly VR tools for improving neurosurgical planning and training.