title: From stereoscopic recording to virtual reality headsets: Designing a new way to learn surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To improve surgical practice, there are several different approaches to simulation. Due to wearable technologies, recording 3D movies is now easy. The development of a virtual reality headset allows imagining a different way of watching these videos: using dedicated software to increase interactivity in a 3D immersive experience. The objective was to record 3D movies via a main surgeon's perspective, to watch files using virtual reality headsets and to validate pedagogic interest.
  
  
  METHODS
  Surgical procedures were recorded using a system combining two side-by-side cameras placed on a helmet. We added two LEDs just below the cameras to enhance luminosity. Two files were obtained in mp4 format and edited using dedicated software to create 3D movies. Files obtained were then played using a virtual reality headset. Surgeons who tried the immersive experience completed a questionnaire to evaluate the interest of this procedure for surgical learning.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty surgical procedures were recorded. The movies capture a scene which is extended 180° horizontally and 90° vertically. The immersive experience created by the device conveys a genuine feeling of being in the operating room and seeing the procedure first-hand through the eyes of the main surgeon. All surgeons indicated that they believe in pedagogical interest of this method.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We succeeded in recording the main surgeon's point of view in 3D and watch it on a virtual reality headset. This new approach enhances the understanding of surgery; most of the surgeons appreciated its pedagogic value. This method could be an effective learning tool in the future.
authors.affiliation: Service de neurochirurgie, hôpital Gui-de-Chauliac, CHRU de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France; Revinax SAS, 34000 Montpellier, France. Electronic address: m-ros@chu-montpellier.fr.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ros
authors.affiliation: Revinax SAS, 34000 Montpellier, France.
authors.forename: J-V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Trives
authors.affiliation: Service de neurochirurgie, hôpital Gui-de-Chauliac, CHRU de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Lonjon
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D009873:Operating Rooms / Q000379:methods; D012984:Software; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D014584:User-Computer Interface
keywords: Computer assisted instruction; Educational technology; General surgery; Medical education; Simulation training