Construction of digital model of sellar area tumours and its application in surgical plan

Abstract

Objective To construct the digital model of the sellar area tumours using virtual reality technology,and to investigate its values in surgical plan.Methods 60 patients with tumor near the sellar area were examined by magnetic resonance imaging scan.The examinations of preoperative including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging,were imported into Dextroscope workstation in DICOM format images to construct model.The anatomic landmarks of surgical approach and structures around the tumor were observed.Furthermore the virtual process of surgery was performed,and compared with the real operation.Results Digital models of all patients can clearly show the anatomical shape and the relation of the sellar tumour,peripheral vessel,bone,optic nerve,and brain tissue.We can freely observe and measure the anatomic structures of surgical approach.The approaches were simulated according to the anatomic characteristics of tumour,and the surgical plans were designed successfully.The images of surgical plans were consistent with the real situation in operation.Conclusions As the complement of conventional surgical plan,the digital models can provide the additional three-dimensional information for operators because of the vivid and stereoscopic images.We can repeatedly simulate operation using virtual equipment on the model.Convenience learning tool for young physicians could be provided by digital models. Key words: Sellar tumor; Virtual reality; Three-dimensional modeling; Surgical plan