Abstract
BackgroundThe use of computer-aided learning in education can be advantageous, especially when interactive three-dimensional (3D) models are used to aid learning of complex 3D structures. The anatomy of the ventricular system of the brain is difficult to fully understand as it is seldom seen in 3D, as is the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This article outlines a workflow for the creation of an interactive training tool for the cerebral ventricular system, an educationally challenging area of anatomy. This outline is based on the use of widely available computer software packages.MethodsUsing MR images of the cerebral ventricular system and several widely available commercial and free software packages, the techniques of 3D modelling, texturing, sculpting, image editing and animations were combined to create a workflow in the creation of an interactive educational and training tool. This was focussed on cerebral ventricular system anatomy, and the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.ResultsWe have successfully created a robust methodology by using key software packages in the creation of an interactive education and training tool. This has resulted in an application being developed which details the anatomy of the ventricular system, and flow of cerebrospinal fluid using an anatomically accurate 3D model. In addition to this, our established workflow pattern presented here also shows how tutorials, animations and self-assessment tools can also be embedded into the training application.ConclusionsThrough our creation of an established workflow in the generation of educational and training material for demonstrating cerebral ventricular anatomy and flow of cerebrospinal fluid, it has enormous potential to be adopted into student training in this field. With the digital age advancing rapidly, this has the potential to be used as an innovative tool alongside other methodologies for the training of future healthcare practitioners and scientists. This workflow could be used in the creation of other tools, which could be developed for use not only on desktop and laptop computers but also smartphones, tablets and fully immersive stereoscopic environments. It also could form the basis on which to build surgical simulations enhanced with haptic interaction.
Highlights
The use of computer-aided learning in education can be advantageous, especially when interactive three-dimensional (3D) models are used to aid learning of complex 3D structures
To enable clear demonstration of the anatomy of the ventricular system using meaningful datasets would allow a greater understanding of these structures, including the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), again something which is not able to be demonstrated within the dissecting room
With the many advantages of 3D imaging and reconstruction, especially applied to the cerebral ventricles and flow of CSF, the purpose of this study was to establish a workflow in the creation of a manageable interactive dataset of the ventricular system and CSF flow aimed at undergraduate students and to investigate how to create a self-test function on knowledge within this application
Summary
The use of computer-aided learning in education can be advantageous, especially when interactive three-dimensional (3D) models are used to aid learning of complex 3D structures. Identification of space-occupying lesions within the skull was done using air ventriculography, introduced in 1918 by the American neurosurgeon Walter Dandy This allowed the identification of tumours of the brain by radiolucent changes of the ventricular system [1]. With the invention of less invasive techniques such as computerised tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, the brain and ventricular system could be visualised with much reduced risk to the patient These techniques greatly improved the quality of neuroimaging, especially with the introduction of T1 and T2 weightings of MRI scans, allowing specific structures to be highlighted. With further advances in computer technology, high quality scans and computer software can be combined to create a three-dimensional (3D) model from a 2D medical imaging dataset These models can be used diagnostically, and as an aid to teaching, for demonstrating complex or inaccessible anatomy, including that of the ventricular system of the brain. To enable clear demonstration of the anatomy of the ventricular system using meaningful datasets would allow a greater understanding of these structures, including the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), again something which is not able to be demonstrated within the dissecting room
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