SIMULATOR TRAINS BRAIN SURGEONS ON MRI’S

Posted on September 15, 2009 by Jeffrey Newman

A new vitual reality simulator allows neurosurgeons to rehearse before operating using a patient’s own MRI, which is expected to reduce mistakes and enhance precision. NeurotTouch, developed by Canada’s National Research Council takes patient data from functional magnetic resonance imaging and renders it into a 3D high resolution image model of the individual’s brain. The surgeons can then use the computer to simulate removal of tumors and other objects using an instrument that looks and feels like a scalpel. The realistic on screen images reflect the simulated surgery, bleeding and all including pulsing gray matter. Brain surgeons who have used the device before real surgery report that they go into the actual surgery with a heightened level of confidence based on a more detailed knowledge of physical structures they will encounter. In addition, the virtual surgery helped in discussions with the patients themselves, as it is based on their own images.