Revolutionizing Pre-Surgical Planning with Augmented Reality
The Challenge
Surgeons conducting complex urologic surgeries such as partial nephrectomy, radical nephrectomy, or donor nephrectomy often face significant challenges during the pre-surgical planning phase. Traditional tools, such as CT scans, provide essential but static 2D images of the patient’s anatomy, making it challenging to thoroughly evaluate anatomical variances and structures of interest. For urological surgeons, visualizing kidneys, renal arteries, renal veins, and the possible tumor locations in three dimensions from these CT scans is a critical need for better surgical outcomes.
Approach
Data Conversion and 3D Modeling: The solution journey begins with the integration of the patient’s CT scan data into the proprietary Ground Truth Factory system. Regardless of the CT scan data format (.dcm, .nii, .nii.gz, .zip), the system is designed to accommodate and convert these inputs into fully segmented 3D models using advanced AI algorithms.
02
Anatomical Segmentation and Visual Representation: After generating the 3D models, the system intricately outlines all relevant internal structures such as kidneys, renal arteries, renal veins, and visible tumors. This ensures that every anatomical detail crucial to the surgical process is visually represented and emphasized in the model.
Integration with the RediMinds Halo Lens Augmented Reality App: The fully segmented 3D models are then imported into the RediMinds Halo Lens Augmented Reality app. This integration allows surgeons to not only view but also interact with the anatomical structures via Augmented Reality, providing a detailed, real-world perspective of the patient’s anatomy.
Expansion to Web and Mobile-Based Tools: For accessibility and ease of use, RediMinds developed web and mobile tools. These platforms enable surgeons to import the 3D models and conduct pre-surgical planning from any location, on any device, without the need for specialized equipment.
Results
The application of the RediMinds solution has fundamentally transformed the process of pre-surgical planning. Surgeons can assess and evaluate complex anatomical structures and variances in a much more immersive, intuitive, and detailed manner, enhancing their understanding and preparation before surgery.
The use of AR and 3D modeling offers the potential to reduce surgical risks, improve surgical precision, and potentially enhance patient outcomes. Additionally, the web and mobile tools provide an unprecedented level of flexibility, allowing surgeons to plan surgeries regardless of their geographical location or device availability.
Conclusion
Incorporating the power of AI, AR, and 3D modeling, RediMinds can successfully redefined the landscape of pre-surgical planning for complex urological surgeries. By making intricate patient-specific anatomical details easily accessible and interactive, surgeons are better equipped to understand, plan, and execute surgeries, leading to safer surgical interventions and improved patient outcomes. This case study demonstrates how innovative use of technology can transform traditional medical practices, ushering in a new era of surgical precision and patient care.