Stereoscopic virtual reality simulation for microsurgical excision of cerebral arteriovenous malformation: case illustrations

Abstract

Background Use of virtual reality planning and rehearsal for planning and training of cerebral aneurysm clipping was recently reported. We aimed to illustrate its applications in preoperative planning and training for cerebral AVM excision. Case Description We illustrated the application of preoperative rehearsal for excision of cerebral AVM for 2 patients in a stereoscopic virtual reality environment. One patient was a 44-year-old lady with a right posterior temporal AVM, and 1 patient was a 23-year-old lady with a left frontal AVM. Through Dextroscope, an anatomical understanding of arterial feeders, nidus, and draining veins in relationship to surrounding cerebral cortex was obtained. It allowed one to see the exposure with the different angles of visualization, similar to what happened under the operative microscope. Conclusion Dextroscopic virtual reality stimulation provided an illustrated preoperative planning and training for excision of cerebral AVM.