Stereoscopic - 3D- Reporting in Neurosurgical Research and Education

• Published in: World neurosurgery
• Main Authors: Benet, Arnau, MD, Tabani, Halima, MD, Griswold, Dylan, Zhang, Xin, MD, PhD, Kola, Olivia, Meybodi, Ali Tayebi, MD, Lawton, Michael T., MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: Neurosurgery; stereoscopic; education; three-dimensional (3-D); endoscopic endonasal; neurosurgery; photography
• ISSN: 1878-8750; 1878-8769
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2016.04.023

Abstract Background Studies have revealed that three-dimensional imaging is superior to two-dimensional (2-D) imaging in improving anatomic orientation and structural differentiation. This report aims to describe the setup and utilization of different 3-D recording modalities (macroscopic, endoscopic and microsurgical) we use in our laboratory and operating room, and discuss their implications in neurosurgical research and didactics. We also highlight the utility of 3-D images in providing depth perception and discernment of structures in comparison to 2D images. Methods The technical details for equipment and laboratory set up for obtaining 3D images were described. The stereo pair of images was obtained using a modified ‘shoot-shift-shoot’ method and later converged to a 3D image. For microsurgical procedures, 3D images were obtained using the integrated 3-D video camera coupled to the surgical microscope in both the laboratory and operation room. The comparison between 2-D and 3-D imaging was demonstrated using illustrative cases. Results We provided the first report of the methodology for obtaining 3-D endoscopic endonasal images using the 2-D endoscope. Side-by-side comparison of 2-D and 3-D images obtained using all modalities revealed that 3-D imaging was superior to 2-D imaging in providing depth perception and structure identification. Conclusions 3-D imaging is an invaluable tool in neurosurgical research and education as it provides immediate depth perception (3rd dimension), allowing efficient understanding of key spatial relationships. Integration of 3-D imaging in neurosurgical residency programs may increase learning efficiency and shorten learning curves. However, it should not replace direct hands-on practice.