Role of mixed reality in the workflow of complex neurooncological surgeries: a case analysis in thalamic surgery

Background

Microsurgical resection of thalamic tumors requires precise anatomical knowledge and meticulous preoperative planning. Given the complexity of thalamic surgery, selecting an optimal surgical approach demands an accurate three-dimensional understanding of relevant structures. Advanced imaging post-processing, including three-dimensional (3D) model construction, can aid surgical planning and mental rehearsal of the procedure. The integration of Mixed Reality (MxR) with interactive holograms may further enhance anatomical clarity, improve risk assessment, and facilitate safer and more extensive tumor resection.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed patients who underwent thalamic tumor resection with holographic surgical planning between 2022 and 2024. Key anatomical structures, particularly those delimiting the four “free thalamic surfaces”, in contact with cerebrospinal fluid spaces, were segmented using post-processing software (Lumi and 3D Slicer) based on volumetric MRI sequences. The resulting patient-specific holograms were utilized preoperatively to simulate and select the optimal surgical approach and intraoperatively to verify its suitability. Demographic, clinical, radiological, and perioperative data were collected.

Results

Ten surgical procedures were performed in nine patients, including seven neuroepithelial tumors and two metastases. All critical structures were successfully segmented, allowing effective surgical simulation and approach selection (8 Anterior Interhemispheric Transcallosal, 2 Perimedian Supracerebellar Transtentorial approaches). The additional planning time for segmentation averaged 45 min. The mean extent of resection achieved was 94.88% (range: 78.6%–100%). At 3-months postoperative follow-up one out of nine patients experienced a permanent new neurological deficit due to surgery.

Conclusion

Integrating MxR into the preoperative workflow for microsurgical removal of complex thalamic tumors proved to be a valuable tool for surgical planning, risk assessment, and intraoperative guidance. The additional preparation time required for holographic simulation appears justified given the anatomical complexity of thalamic lesions.