The use of neuronavigation using augmented reality: experimental study

• Artemyev A.A.
• Mudinov T.S.
• Erokhin I.A.
• Blinova E.V.
• Grebenev F.V.
• Okishev D.N.
• Konovalov A.N.

Abstract

Background. Augmented reality is a technology for superimposing virtual information and objects on the real world in real time. Over the past decade, its introduction into medicine has accelerated significantly. In neurosurgery, augmented reality can be used as a means of preoperative preparation, intraoperative neuronavigation, and training of young surgeons.

Aim – to study the results of trepanation in three pathological conditions (meningioma of the sphenoid wing, parasagittal meningioma and subdural hemorrhage) reproduced on a biological model (prospective study).

Material and methods. 9 models (sheep heads) were used in the experiment. CT scan of each model was performed, 3 experimental conditions were segmented and reproduced (three for each model): meningioma of the sphenoid wing, parasagittal meningioma, subdural hemorrhage. The results were uploaded to Microsoft HoloLens 2 augmented reality glasses, with which three students performed three trepanations each.

Results. The size of the trepanation window when accessing the wing meningioma was 16.1±0.8 cm². The time taken to perform a craniotomy was 17.2±0.9 minutes. The size of the frontotemporal trepanation in subdural hematoma was 17.3±1.1 cm². The execution time of this access was 18.1±1.2 minutes. When accessing parasagittal meningioma, the trepanation size was 15.8±0.6 cm². The access execution time left 14.3±0.7 minutes.

Conclusion. The experiment showed that the use of augmented reality helps to perform neurosurgical accesses of optimal size in an accurate projection of the pathological focus. This navigation system can be implemented in clinical practice.

Keywords: neurosurgery; trepanation; neuronavigation; augmented reality; mixed reality

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