Research in this area is dedicated to increasing the safety and quality of neurosurgical procedures through the application of Extended Reality (XR). Given the reduction in classical open surgeries in favor of endovascular methods, there is a growing need for realistic, alternative educational models. We are developing comprehensive systems that allow surgeons to practice complex interventions and improve intraoperative navigation.
VR Simulation of Cerebrovascular Procedures. We are developing a Virtual Reality (VR) system to simulate complex operations on brain blood vessels, such as treating intracranial aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Using data from CT angiography, the system creates detailed 3D models adapted to the specific patient. Additionally, we use generative artificial intelligence to synthetically create new, challenging clinical cases based on defined medical parameters, enabling surgeons to prepare for rare scenarios and complications before encountering them in the operating room.
Augmented Reality Surgical Navigation. Beyond simulation, we are developing a system for surgical navigation using AR glasses. The system projects complex cerebrovascular structures onto their actual position within the patient's skull in real-time. This "holographic overlay" provides surgeons with a clearer insight into tissue access and instrument position (such as catheters) without the need to look away at external screens. This approach aims to reduce procedure duration and the patient's exposure to ionizing radiation.
Used Technologies
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Extended and Virtual Reality (XR/VR) in neurosurgery
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Patient-specific 3D modeling from CT angiography
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Synthetic generation of neurological CT images (Generative AI)
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Deep learning for cerebrovascular system segmentation
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Catheter position tracking and image registration