The use of virtual reality for the functional simulation of hepatic tumors (case control study).
OBJECTIVE
To develop a technique for converting computed tomography (CT) data into a fully three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality (VR) environment. Preoperative simulation in 3D VR facilitates liver resection owing to the ability to view the tumor and its relative vessels.


METHODS
3D-reconstruction of the liver was restored from spiral CT data by using LiVirtue software and the Dextrobeam (Volume Interactions Pte Ltd, Singapore) was applied to view this 3D model in the VR environment. In order to design a rational plan of operation, the liver and its anatomic structure were reconstructed to illuminate the location of the tumor and its related vessels.


RESULTS
In our series of 38 hepatic resections, there was no significant difference between preoperatively calculated volumes of virtual resection part and actual volumes of resected specimen's weight. The LiVirtue can provide accurate and rapid results of individual hepatic volume and the character of anatomy structures. These models can be viewed and manipulated in the VR environment and on a personal computer. This preoperative simulation allowed surgeons to dissect the liver with reduced complications. Preoperative planning and intra-operative navigation based on this technique ensured the safety of liver resection.


CONCLUSIONS
3D models of the liver and its detailed structure articulate the possibility of intricate liver resection and the risk of the operation. This preoperative estimation from a 3D model of the liver benefits complicated liver resections greatly.
Chen
Gang
G
Department of General Surgery, No. 324 Hospital of PLA, 29# East Jianxin Road, Chongqing 400020, China. cgang997@163.com
Li
Xue-cheng
XC
Wu
Guo-qing
GQ
Wang
Yi
Y
Fang
Bin
B
Xiong
Xiao-feng
XF
Yang
Ri-gao
RG
Tan
Li-wen
LW
Zhang
Shao-xiang
SX
Dong
Jia-hong
JH
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007472:Iohexol; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012984:Software; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014584:User-Computer Interface
D003287:Contrast Media; D007472:Iohexol