Developing a 3D Reconstruction System for Surgical Planning in Neurovascular Surgery

Background and Aim: Neurovascular lesions can cause death or disability. Some of them are operable, but surgical approaches are complicated, and proper access to these lesions is crucial. A few of these surgeries occur during the residency educational program, and residents' experience in operating these lesions may be quite inadequate. Using new technologies like 3D-reconstruction of vascular lesion images may result in better training and improve residents' knowledge and understanding of these operations. Methods and Materials/Patients: Four senior neurosurgery residents were enrolled in this study. They were taught to use a 3D image rebuilding program (3D Slicer). They were then asked to rebuild a 3D image of every patient lesion, practice different surgical views, and review anatomical structures around the lesion before surgery. Results: All residents mentioned that their knowledge of surgical approaches improved, and they learned more from each operation. Two of them commented that more self-trust during surgeries led to more effective education. Their ability in surgical planning was enhanced too. Attending physicians of these residents believed that this practice improved the residents' skills and educational quality. Conclusion: New technologies can promote residency educational programs. It seems that working on 3D images of lesions before surgery can boost residents' educational attributes.