Design of functional simulation of renal cancer in virtual reality environments.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Knudsen
Bodo E
BE
Division of Urology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA. knudsen-1@medctr.osu.edu
Campbell
Gord
G
Kennedy
Andrew
A
Amann
Justin
J
Beiko
Darren T
DT
Watterson
James D
JD
Chew
Ben H
BH
Denstedt
John D
JD
Pautler
Stephen E
SE
D000368:Aged; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008953:Models, Anatomic