OBJECTIVES: The preoperative planning of partial nephrectomy can be facilitated by the ability to view the tumor and surrounding tissue in three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality (VR). A technique to convert Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine computed tomography scan data into a fully 3D VR environment was developed. The model can be transferred to a personal computer, allowing the surgeon to view the 3D model in the operating room. METHODS: Computed tomography data from a patient with multifocal renal masses was converted into a 3D polygonal mesh using Amira running on a desktop personal computer with Windows XP Professional. A Silicon Graphics Monster Onyx2 running the Linux operating system was used to view the 3D stereo model in the VR environments: either the CAVE or a specialized desk called the Immersadesk. An application to view and interact with the model on a desktop personal computer was written in C++. RESULTS: A 3D model of the kidney, the multiple tumors, and the associated systems was created. The model could be viewed and manipulated in a true VR environment and on a desktop personal computer. CONCLUSIONS: This project completed two major goals. First, a 3D model of a kidney containing multiple masses was created and viewed in a VR environment. Second, an interface to display the model on a desktop personal computer in the operating room was created. This is the first step in bringing VR technology to the operating room to assist the surgeon directly.
OBJECTIVES: The preoperative planning of partial nephrectomy can be facilitated by the ability to view the tumor and surrounding tissue in three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality (VR). A technique to convert Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine computed tomography scan data into a fully 3D VR environment was developed. The model can be transferred to a personal computer, allowing the surgeon to view the 3D model in the operating room. METHODS: Computed tomography data from a patient with multifocal renal masses was converted into a 3D polygonal mesh using Amira running on a desktop personal computer with Windows XP Professional. A Silicon Graphics Monster Onyx2 running the Linux operating system was used to view the 3D stereo model in the VR environments: either the CAVE or a specialized desk called the Immersadesk. An application to view and interact with the model on a desktop personal computer was written in C++. RESULTS: A 3D model of the kidney, the multiple tumors, and the associated systems was created. The model could be viewed and manipulated in a true VR environment and on a desktop personal computer. CONCLUSIONS: This project completed two major goals. First, a 3D model of a kidney containing multiple masses was created and viewed in a VR environment. Second, an interface to display the model on a desktop personal computer in the operating room was created. This is the first step in bringing VR technology to the operating room to assist the surgeon directly.