The Potential for Using Extended Reality Technology in Interdisciplinary Case Discussions and Case Planning in Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Proof-of-Concept Usability Study

Abstract

Background Extended reality (XR) is a term that captures a variety of techniques, such as augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR), which allow users to interact with virtual models in real time. This technology has an emerging role in several applications within neurosurgery. XR can be useful in enhancing how radiosurgical cases are planned. Multidisciplinary team (MDT) review is an essential part of the radiosurgery case planning process; during case discussions, patient images are reviewed, usually in 2D or 3D modifications. The current commercially available platforms for this review need improvement. Objective We describe a novel visualization application, titled “NeuroVis” by our development team, which uses an XR Microsoft HoloLens headset to provide an interactive 3D visualization of a patient’s neuroanatomy in stereotactic surgery (SRS) case planning discussions. Methods We present examples of 6 common radiosurgery indications to demonstrate the utility of NeuroVis to solve common visualization hurdles in MDTs. Results The utility of NeuroVis is demonstrated through 6 common brain tumor SRS cases as a proof-of-concept illustration of the utility of NeuroVis to enhance radiosurgery case discussion by improving visualization of the standard neuroimaging used in radiosurgery treatment planning by MDTs. Conclusions The NeuroVis application provides several interactive features that produce an enhanced ability to place participating members of an interdisciplinary treatment team on the same visualization plane. This technology, by facilitating team discussions and case review, has the potential to improve the efficiency, efficacy, and safety of radiosurgery treatment planning and, as a result, to optimize patient care.