Virtual neurosurgery anatomy laboratory: A collaborative and remote education experience in the metaverse

Abstract

Background: Advances in computer sciences, including novel 3-dimensional rendering techniques, have enabled the creation of cloud-based virtual reality (VR) interfaces, making real-time peer-to-peer interaction possible even from remote locations. This study addresses the potential use of this technology for microsurgery anatomy education. Methods: Digital specimens were created using multiple photogrammetry techniques and imported into a virtual simulated neuroanatomy dissection laboratory. A VR educational program using a multiuser virtual anatomy laboratory experience was developed. Internal validation was performed by five multinational neurosurgery visiting scholars testing and assessing the digital VR models. For external validation, 20 neurosurgery residents tested and assessed the same models and virtual space. Results: Each participant responded to 14 statements assessing the virtual models, categorized under realism (n = 3), usefulness (n = 2), practicality (n = 3), enjoyment (n = 3), and recommendation (n = 3). Most responses expressed agreement or strong agreement with the assessment statements (internal validation, 94% [66/70] total responses; external validation, 91.4% [256/280] total responses). Notably, most participants strongly agreed that this system should be part of neurosurgery residency training and that virtual cadaver courses through this platform could be effective for education. Conclusion: Cloud-based VR interfaces are a novel resource for neurosurgery education. Interactive and remote collaboration between instructors and trainees is possible in virtual environments using volumetric models created with photogrammetry. We believe that this technology could be part of a hybrid anatomy curriculum for neurosurgery education. More studies are needed to assess the educational value of this type of innovative educational resource.

Intraoperative Videogrammetry and Photogrammetry for Photorealistic Neurosurgical 3-Dimensional Models Generated Using Operative Microscope: Technical Note

“…Photogrammetry has gained increased attention in the neurosurgical community reflected by an increasing number of publications using professional DSLR cameras, 13 smartphonebased photogrammetry, 7,10 or endoscope camera scanning for deep corridors. 3 However, the methods have mainly been developed to model anatomy from cadaver 3,[6][7][8]10,13,14 with sparse experience on the application of the method to create 3D models based on intraoperative images. One study of Nicolosi et al described generation of intraoperative 3D models with very good quality.…”

Mixed Reality for Pediatric Brain Tumors: A Pilot Study from a Singapore Children’s Hospital

“…For neurosurgeons, brain tumor surgery presents complex challenges due to a delicate tradeoff between removing as much neoplastic tissue as possible and minimizing the loss of brain function [4]. To achieve this successfully, there has to be very low threshold for errors [21]. Likewise, the armamentarium of operative tools for neurosurgeons has evolved tremendously to address such safety concerns.…”

“…Briefly, the Oculus Quest 2 is a VR system that consists of an HMD and two handheld touch controllers equipped with sensors. Here, the user is fully immersed in a virtual space and can interact with virtual objects in simulated environments, using controllers [20,21]. This standalone system relies on internet connectivity to access the cloud-based Holoeyes XR platform.…”

Considerations for the value of immersive virtual reality platforms for neurosurgery trainees’ anatomy understanding

“…It was our pleasure to read the interesting article by Gonzalez-Romo et al .,[ 4 ] who assessed an immersive virtual reality (VR) platform for neurosurgery residents’ anatomy understanding. It was shown that this method could be promising for enhancing trainees’ learning experience and could be proven a valuable educational tool.…”

“…Thus, although we certainly believe that the study by Gonzalez-Romo et al . [ 4 ] is very interesting and could enable researchers to further explore the value of immersive VR, the literature so far has shown that its effectiveness is not superior to that of conventional neuroanatomy education methods, although 3D visualization could be potentially helpful. We consider that this study may certainly attract future researchers’ interest to investigate if the positive residents’ opinions will be accompanied by learning effectiveness.…”