Abstract
Objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate a deformable simulation system that can be operated simply and quickly, aiming at daily use in clinical practice of neurosurgery. We examined whether this method would be useful for preoperative simulation.
Methods: Subjects comprised 10 patients who underwent microneurosurgery. Using Avizo 5.1 computer visualization software, the 3-dimensional images were created from preoperative 2-dimensional DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine) data. A brain retraction simulation program was added to Avizo 5.1. We evaluated the simplicity of the operation, and usefulness in preoperative review.
Results: With this software, we performed a virtual simulation of brain retraction. Between 3 minutes (minimum) and 30 minutes (maximum), 3-dimensional spatial relationships between nerves, vessels, skull, brain surface, and how to retract brain surfaces such as direction and degree of brain retraction are easily recognized.
Conclusion: Virtual operative simulation of brain retraction with this system was simple, quick and effective for surgery review in the neurosurgical field.
