Title : Impact of virtual reality Imaging on pre-operative planning for paediatric cardio surgery
Abstract:
Objectives
To investigate how virtual reality imaging impacts decision-making in atrioventricular valve surgery
Methods
This was a single centre retrospective study involving 15 children and adolescents - median age 6 years (range 0.33 - 16) requiring surgical repair of the atrioventricular valves between 2016-2019. The patients’ pre-operative 3D echocardiographic data were used to create 3D visualisation in a VR application. Five paediatric cardiothoracic surgeons completed a questionnaire formulated to compare their surgical decisions regarding the cases after reviewing conventionally presented 2D and 3D echocardiographic images and again after visualisation of 3D echocardiograms using the VR platform. Finally, intraoperative findings were shared with surgeons to confirm assessment of the pathology.
Results
In 67% of cases presented with VR, surgeons reported having “more” or “much more” confidence in their understanding of each patient’s pathology and their surgical approach. In all but one case, surgeons were at least as confident after reviewing the VR compared to standard imaging. The case where surgeons reported to be least confident on VR had the worst technical quality of data used. After viewing patient cases on VR, surgeons reported that they would have made minor modifications to surgical approach in 53% and major modifications in 7% of cases.
Conclusion
The main impact of viewing imaging on VR is the improved clarity of the anatomical structures. Surgeons reported that this would have impacted the surgical approach in the majority of cases. Poor quality 3D echocardiographic data was associated with a negative impact of VR visualisation, thus quality assessment of imaging is necessary before projecting in a VR format.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- The rapid advancements in virtual and augmented reality technology, driven by the need for it during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlight its extensive applications and potential in medicine
- Developments in virtual and augmented reality technology offer promising roles and potential for advancing medical diagnostics, education and therapies
- However, robust translational research is necessary to identify the areas most in need of these technologies, to assess the feasibility and costs of their integration, and to determine if the resulting clinical outcomes surpass those of existing methods
- This study demonstrates the potential clinical benefits and value of virtual reality in surgical planning for congenital heart disease and other structural heart defects
- This study also reveals the crucial and urgent need for more translational research to bridge the gap between technological advancements and clinical practice through collaboration between engineers and doctors to enhance the safety and usability of new modalities
- This presentation aims to emphasise the potential of virtual reality in enhancing surgical treatment and to call the audience to action in driving translational research. This is crucial for mobilizing the integration of growing technology into clinical practice where real and relevant impacts can be made in patient outcomes
