Tool For Surgical Planning Research Articles

Analysis of the Predictability of Postoperative Meningioma Resection Status Based on Clinical Features

Background: Our aim was to investigate the predictability of postoperative meningioma resection status based on clinical features. Methods: We examined 23 clinical features to assess their effectiveness in distinguishing gross total resections (GTR) from subtotal resections (STR). We analyzed whether GTR/STR cases are better predictable if the classification is based on the Simpson grading or the postoperative operative tumor volume (POTV). Results: Using a study cohort comprising a total of 157 patients, multivariate models for the preoperative prediction of GTR/STR outcome in relation to Simpson grading and POTV were developed and subsequently compared. Including only two clinical features, our models showed a notable discriminatory power in predicting postoperative resection status. Our final model, a straightforward decision tree applicable in daily clinical practice, achieved a mean AUC of 0.885, a mean accuracy of 0.866, a mean sensitivity of 0.889, and a mean specificity of 0.772 based on independent test data. Conclusions: Such models can be a valuable tool both for surgical planning and for early planning of postoperative treatment, e.g., for additional radiotherapy/radiosurgery, potentially required in case of subtotal resections.

DTI fiber-tracking parameters adjacent to gliomas: the role of tract irregularity value in operative planning, resection, and outcome.

The goal of glioma surgery is maximal tumor resection associated with minimal post-operative morbidity. Diffusion tensor imaging-tractography/fiber tracking (DTI-FT) is a valuable white-matter (WM) visualization tool for diagnosis and surgical planning. Still, it assumes a descriptive role since the main DTI metrics and parameters showed several limitations in clinical use. New applications and quantitative measurements were recently applied to describe WM architecture that surround the tumor area. The brain adjacent tumor area (BAT) is defined as the region adjacent to the gross tumor volume, which contains signal abnormalities on T2-weighted or FLAIR sequences. The DTI-FT analysis of the BAT can be adopted as predictive values and a guide for safe tumor resection. This is an observational prospective study on an extensive series of glioma patients who performed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with pre-operative DTI-FT analyzed on the BAT by two different software. We examined DTI parameters of Fractional anisotropy (FA mean, min-max), Mean diffusivity (MD), and the shape-metric "tract irregularity" (TI) grade, comparing it with the surgical series' clinical, radiological, and outcome data. The population consisted of 118 patients, with a mean age of 60.6 years. 82 patients suffering from high-grade gliomas (69.5%), and 36 from low-grade gliomas (30.5%). A significant inverse relationship exists between the FA mean value and grading (p = 0.001). The relationship appears directly proportional regarding MD values (p = 0.003) and TI values (p = 0.005). FA mean and MD values are susceptible to significant variations with tumor and edema volume (p = 0.05). TI showed an independent relationship with grading regardless of tumor radiological features and dimensions, with a direct relationship with grading, ki67% (p = 0,05), PFS (p < 0.001), and EOR (p < 0.01). FA, MD, and TI are useful predictive measures of the clinical behavior of glioma, and TI could be helpful for tumor grading identification and surgical planning.

Anatomy of Inferior Temporal Arteries in Relation to Middle Cranial Fossa Structures: A Postmortem Computed Tomography Angiography Study

Abstract Objective The inferior temporal arteries (ITAs), branches of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA), are critical vascular structures encountered during subtemporal surgical approaches. Anatomical data based on multiphase postmortem computed tomography angiography (MPMCTA) are provided as a tool for preoperative surgical planning to lower the risk of ITA injury. Methods Adult (≥18 years) cases that underwent MPMCTA during 2015 to 2023 and whose cause of death did not involve the cerebral circulation were included in the study. Standardized measurements on four predefined coronal slices in relation to the posterior clinoid process (PCP) were established with references to projections in axial and sagittal planes. The main aim was to assess the presence, width, and course of anterior ITA (AITA), middle ITA (MITA), and posterior (PITA) particularly within the individual established quadrants of the middle cranial fossa. Results A total of 74 hemispheres were studied among 37 patients with the mean age of 52 ± 20.2 years. PITA was present in 98.7% of studied hemispheres, followed by MITA in 90.7% and AITA in 89.2%. The course of PITA was straight (65.8%) or oblique (34.3%), with significant difference in mean width (p = 0.050), branching angle (p &lt; 0.001), distance to tentorial hiatus (p &lt; 0.001), and superior petrosal sinus (p &lt; 0.001). A pattern of PITA loop was defined as a twisting of its course within the collateral sulcus. Significant relationship between the presence of AITA and MITA (p &lt; 0.001) along with the co-presence of AITA and PITA (p = 0.029) was found. Conclusion Knowledge of ITA characteristics and their relationship to surrounding anatomical structures is vital in subtemporal neurosurgical interventions. Preoperative inspection of the collateral sulcus and its relation to the surgical trajectory is critical to prevent PITA injury.

Diagnostic Capabilities of Transthoracic Echocardiography and Cardiac Computed Tomography in Preoperative Planning of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return Correction

Introduction: Total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) is a congenital heart defect in which there is no direct connection between pulmonary veins and the left atrium. Hospital mortality in patients with TAPVR, depending on the anatomical type of the defect, ranges from 14% to 35%. Without surgical correction, children with obstructive TAPVR die in the neonatal period. The mortality rate of children with nonobstructive TAPVR reaches 80% by the first year of life.Objective: To evaluate the capabilities of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and cardiac computed tomography (CT) in TAPVR diagnosis and surgical planning of its correction.Materials and methods: The study included 17 children with an initial diagnosis of TAPVR. The age of the patients was 28.5 (11; 91) days. All the infants underwent TTE; 15 patients underwent cardiac CT, and 4 patients, cardiac catheterization with conventional angiography. We evaluated and compared the capabilities of these methods in the diagnosis and determination of the TAPVR type and concomitant anomalies. All data were compared with conventional angiography findings and intraoperative data. The interval between TTE, cardiac CT, and angiography or open surgery was less than 5 days.Results: The accuracy of TTE in diagnosing TAPVR was not significantly inferior to that of cardiac CT (88% vs 100%); erroneous results of TTE were found in 2 patients with heterotaxy syndrome (right isomerism). Both methods showed 100% diagnostic efficiency in determining the TAPVR type. The accuracy of TTE in diagnosing obstructive TAPVR was 81.2%, whereas that of cardiac CT, 94%. There was no statistically significant difference in diagnostic efficiency between CT and TTE in the diagnosis of TAPVR and its obstructive forms.Discussion: Our findings demonstrate the high efficiency of TTE in diagnosing TAPVR, determining its anatomical type, and identifying obstructive forms. This method has limited diagnostic capabilities in determining TAPVR in patients with heterotaxy syndrome and other congenital anomalies of the atria. Cardiac CT has proven to be a highly accurate tool in diagnosing TAPVR and determining obstructive forms and associated heart anomalies.Conclusions: In children with isolated TAPVR and normal arrangement of the organs (situs solitus) with good acoustic window, TTE is the initial and final tool for surgical planning of TAPVR correction. In children with TAPVR and concomitant heart defects, heterotaxy syndrome and other atrial anomalies, TTE should be supplemented by cardiac CT. Cardiac CT in children with TAPVR is an alternative to invasive cardiac catheterization with conventional angiography and should be a preferred diagnostic tool. Conventional angiography should be used in children with TAPVR for assessment of functional, not anatomical characteristics of the defect.

Real-time prediction of postoperative spinal shape with machine learning models trained on finite element biomechanical simulations.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a chronic disease that may require correction surgery. The finite element method (FEM) is a popular option to plan the outcome of surgery on a patient-based model. However, it requires considerable computing power and time, which may discourage its use. Machine learning (ML) models can be a helpful surrogate to the FEM, providing accurate real-time responses. This work implements ML algorithms to estimate post-operative spinal shapes. The algorithms are trained using features from 6400 simulations generated using the FEM from spine geometries of 64 patients. The features are selected using an autoencoder and principal component analysis. The accuracy of the results is evaluated by calculating the root-mean-squared error and the angle between the reference and predicted position of each vertebra. The processing times are also reported. A combination of principal component analysis for dimensionality reduction, followed by the linear regression model, generated accurate results in real-time, with an average position error of 3.75 mm and orientation angle error below 2.74 degrees in all main 3D axes, within 3 ms. The prediction time is considerably faster than simulations based on the FEM alone, which require seconds to minutes. It is possible to predict post-operative spinal shapes of patients with AIS in real-time by using ML algorithms as a surrogate to the FEM. Clinicians can compare the response of the initial spine shape of a patient with AIS to various target shapes, which can be modified interactively. These benefits can encourage clinicians to use software tools for surgical planning of scoliosis.

Language lateralization in temporal lobe epilepsy: A behavioral screening tool for surgical planning.

Temporal lobe epilepsy can disturb eloquent areas, affecting language. We applied a visually-mediated task to measure lateralization of language recognition in drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy. Patients with left (n = 26), right (n = 28) temporal lobe epilepsy and controls (n = 30) were administered the translingual lexical decision task. We performed repeated measures analyses of variance, with the visual half-field as an intrasubject factor and the group as an intersubject factor. A main effect of visual half-field was found, showing the right visual field (left hemisphere) advantage for both accuracy and response time. A main effect of the group was found in accuracy, showing that both epilepsy groups performed less accurately than controls, and left temporal lobe epilepsy performed less accurately than right temporal lobe epilepsy. Also, the group-by-visual half-field interaction was significant. Post hoc t tests indicated the controls and right temporal lobe epilepsy performed better in the right visual field than in the left visual field, whereas no visual half-field effect was found in left temporal lobe epilepsy. For response times, the interaction was also significant. Post hoc t tests showed a significant right visual-field advantage for controls (two-tailed) and for the right temporal lobe epilepsy (one-tailed). Right visual-field advantage was absent in left temporal lobe epilepsy. The translingual lexical decision task can efficiently distinguish between left and right temporal lobe epilepsy. Compared to right temporal lobe epilepsy and controls, language lateralization is diminished in left temporal lobe epilepsy. The potential use of the translingual lexical decision task as an effective noninvasive presurgical language lateralization screening tool is highlighted. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Supplemental Material for Language Lateralization in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: A Behavioral Screening Tool for Surgical Planning

Supplemental Material for Language Lateralization in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: A Behavioral Screening Tool for Surgical Planning

Application of TDABC in assessing the profitability of examinations and the level of idleness of computed tomography in the gynecological oncology sector

Gynecological malignancies represent one of the main mortality factors in women, with imaging exams being important tools for diagnosis, staging and surgical planning. Such exams are carried out at Diagnostic Imaging Centers (CDI) which, due to the use of sophisticated technology and qualified labor, are expensive and impact health systems. Given this context, this research aims to demonstrate how TDABC can be used to evaluate the profitability of exams and the levels of idleness that exist in the context of the computed tomography sector of the gynecological oncology unit. For this purpose, a methodology classifiable as qualitative and descriptive was used and the case study format was adopted, with data collection through documentary research, informal interviews to learn about the process and estimates of the execution time of the activities. The results showed that the tests carried out are deficient, as the cost of providing these services is higher than the prices paid by the Unified Health System (SUS), which resulted in a total loss of R$ -79,347.04 in the month. The levels of idleness of the activities involved were also determined, both in terms of inactive minutes and in monetary values. Therefore, it was concluded that the total idleness of the tomography sector surveyed reached R$ 102,932.81 and is equivalent to 41.62% on average for the activities covered (varying between 3.66% in the case of equipment and 81.59% in relation to nurses’ activity). Regarding the contributions made, it is worth noting that the information made available by TDABC can support actions aimed at reducing time between activities and optimizing the performance of the employees involved, in addition to demonstrating TDABC's adherence within the scope of entities that perform diagnostic imaging services. From the results obtained, it is concluded that it is essential to optimize processes to reduce exam time and increase productivity, as well as the need to readjust the values in the SUS table to avoid compromising investment of resources in other sectors of the hospital.

Abstract PO2-02-10: Predicting the feasibility of breast conserving surgery using pre-treatment standard of care DCE-MRI: a novel clinical decision support tool for breast cancer surgical planning

Abstract Background: The decision-making process regarding breast cancer treatment options, specifically breast conserving surgery (BCS) versus mastectomy, is a complex and sensitive matter that takes into account the patient's preferences and their eligibility for BCS. A range of anatomical factors, such as tumor size, breast size, and proximity of the tumor to the skin, can influence the surgeon's recommendation regarding BCS or mastectomy. While mastectomy may be the only viable option for patients with large tumors, those with smaller tumors often have the opportunity to collaboratively decide with their surgeon on the most appropriate approach to ensure oncologic success and minimize potential cosmetic deformity. To facilitate this decision-making process, we developed a tool capable of providing informed recommendations on BCS or mastectomy based on standard of care imaging patient data. By integrating these recommendation capabilities, we aim to enhance the decision-making process and improve patient outcomes in breast cancer treatment. Methods: To assist surgeons and patients in determining a patient’s eligibility for breast conserving surgery (BCS), we developed the BCS Feasibility Score. The BCS Feasibility Score is generated from a binary classifier machine learning model and is representative of the probability that a given patient could receive BCS. The score is based solely on the output from TumorSight Viz, a software platform that uses only pre-treatment T1-weighted DCE MRI and applies a suite of deep learning algorithms to segment the patient’s disease and the surrounding breast tissues. From the multi-tissue segmentation generated using TumorSight Viz, we extracted 25 spatial morphology features to use in the model development process. The training and testing sets were a subsample of a publicly available dataset (Saha, et al, 2018). We selected patients that received either BCS or mastectomy and had a viable T1-weighted DCE MRI. Bi-lateral cases were excluded. The total training/testing set consisted of n = 749 cases, 363 of which received mastectomy and 386 who received BCS. Before model training occurred, we split 20% of the sample to use as the test set. We then trained a random forest classifier across a range of pre-set hyper-parameters, using a total of 25 features as inputs, and using 5x cross-validation in the training set. We then assessed model performance in the testing set only. Results: In the test set, 76 cases received BCS versus 74 that received mastectomy. We successfully predicted BCS in 56 out of 76 cases (74%), and mastectomy in 46 out of 74 cases (62%). Overall, we observed an AUC = 0.76 and an F1 score = 0.66, indicating moderate to strong model performance. The most important features in the model, as measured by SHAP values, included the axis aligned tumor longest dimension (mm), the closest distance between the tumor and the nipple (mm), the volume of the tumor convex hull (mL; dilated uni-centrically), and the ratio of tumor convex hull volume to breast volume. We tested the model’s performance in a fully independent holdout validation set of 579 cases. Within this validation set, 335 patients received BCS versus 244 received mastectomy. We successfully predicted BCS in 254 out of 335 cases (76%), and mastectomy in 149 out of 244 cases (61%). Overall, we observed an AUC = 0.75 and an F1 score = 0.63. Validation set performance mirrored results observed in the test set, indicating strong generalizability. In the validation set, comparing patients who underwent BCS to those who underwent mastectomy, we observed significant differences across all four of the most predictive features. Conclusion: TumorSight Viz and the BCS Feasibility Score help empower both patients and clinicians with information and tools to facilitate surgical planning decisions. Citation Format: John Pfeiffer, Bradley Feiger, Anuja Antony, Joseph Peterson. Predicting the feasibility of breast conserving surgery using pre-treatment standard of care DCE-MRI: a novel clinical decision support tool for breast cancer surgical planning [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO2-02-10.

Technical report: Clinical feasibility of augmented reality-navigated chronic subdural hematoma evacuation

Chronic subdural hematoma is an increasingly common pathology for neurosurgeons. Management of chronic Subdural Hematoma (cSDH) poses unique challenges and can be fraught with potential complications. Understanding the spatial relationships of cSDH to adjacent brain tissue and skull topography is critical for successful surgical treatment of this disease. The aim of this report is to highlight the feasibility and efficacy of a novel Augmented Reality (AR) overlay tool for surgical planning with technical description of two surgical cases using AR overlay for surgical management of cSDH. This technical report describes a fiducial-less AR overlay tool for surgical planning of surgical evacuation of cSDH. The AR system was used to superimpose 3D anatomy onto the patients head to provide image guidance during two cases of cSDH evacuation.

Ethnic variation in lower face anthropometry on facial computed tomography scans for patients seeking facial feminization surgery

BackgroundFacial feminization surgery (FFS) is the most common form of facial gender-affirming surgery. One of the current knowledge gaps is the understanding of racial group differences in baseline craniofacial norms for transgender and nonbinary patients. MethodsAll patients who sought consultation for FFS with a completed craniofacial computed tomographic (CT) scan at a single institution between the years of 2018 to 2023 were included. Patients with previous facial surgeries were excluded. Chart reviews were conducted for patient characteristics, including race, age, hormone therapy duration, and prior gender-affirming surgeries. Racial categorizations included White, Latinx, African American, or Asian. Patients with other or multiracial identity were excluded. Measurements of the lower face were derived from preoperative facial CT scans. Comparative analyses were performed on all measurements between racial groups. Results204 patients were included with an average age of 32.0±10.2 years and a median hormone duration of 2.0 years. Notable racial group differences were: 1. Zygomatic width was largest in Asian patients (13.5±0.6cm) compared to all other racial groups (p=0.03), 2. Nasolabial angle was smallest in African American patients (82.5±13.1 degrees, p<0.001), 3. Lower face height was largest in African American patients (6.9±0.7cm, p<0.001) and 4. Lateral mandibular flare was largest in African American patients (0.4±0.1cm) and smallest in Latinx patients (0.2±0.1cm, p<0.001). ConclusionsSpecific target areas of FFS should be carefully considered to account for possible baseline ethnic differences. Relative facial proportions may also be a more salient surgical planning tool for TGNB patients rather than absolute measurements alone.

Postoperative Upper Airway Volume Measurements Among Children With Craniofacial Abnormalities.

To measure postoperative airway volumes among patients with craniofacial abnormalities and compare them to normative values. Retrospective, comparative study. Academic Medical Center. Retrospective analysis of imaging of children with craniofacial abnormalities treated at NYU Langone Health from January 2013 to February 2021. Upper airway volumes postcraniofacial surgery were measured using 3D processing software (Dolphin 3D, version 11.95). These values were compared with published normative values. Twenty-one subjects were identified and compared to normative values. The postoperative oropharyngeal volumes were on average 43.7% smaller than the normative values (P < .001), and the total upper airway volumes were 31.6% smaller (P = .003). No significant differences were observed in the nasopharyngeal or hypopharyngeal volumes of the study cohort compared to the normative data. Among children ages 12 to 17 years (n = 13), the mean oropharyngeal volumes were 47.6% smaller than normal (P < .001), and the mean total upper airway volumes were 34.6% smaller than normal (P < .001). Among children ages 7 to 11 years (n = 8), the mean oropharyngeal volumes were 35.1% smaller than normal (P = .049), but no difference in mean total upper airway volume was observed. In children with craniofacial anomalies, postoperative airway volumes remain lower than normative values. However, even a slight increase in airway volume can yield a substantial increase in flow rate. 3D airway evaluations are a valuable tool for surgical planning and analysis and can help with optimizing airway dynamics.

Augmented reality: a new perspective in dental education

INTRODUCTION The Microsoft HoloLens is a mixed reality device with the capability to provide a real-time 3D platform using multiple sensors and holographic processing to display information, and even to simulate a virtual world. With rapidly evolving technology and virtual learning on the increase, the HoloLens can be used as a vital tool for education and surgical planning. The aim of this pilot study was to ascertain its benefit in dental education and in the surgical planning of complex oral surgery procedures. METHODS A cohort of postgraduate dentists working at the Eastman Dental Hospital in London were shown two holographic videos. Participation was voluntary and an email invitation was sent to all non-consultant grade dental staff across multiple dental specialties. The cases demonstrated were a mandibular third molar in close association with the inferior alveolar nerve and an impacted tooth. Each video had a narration and explanation by a consultant oral surgeon. After having watched the videos, participants were asked to rate seven statements using a Likert scale. RESULTS Eighty-two per cent of participants reported improved comprehension of orientating anatomical structures. All participants (100%) noted improved confidence in surgical planning. Ninety-four per cent believed that the technology was an invaluable surgical tool in postgraduate training. CONCLUSIONS Augmented reality has the potential to change the face of surgery in the 21st century. This technology can be used to improve surgical training, especially in an environment where hands-on training is limited and virtual learning is promoted.

Evaluating 3D Simulation Accuracy for Breast Augmentation Outcomes: A Volumetric and Surface Contour Analysis in Chinese Patients.

The use of three-dimensional imaging in breast augmentation with silicone implants has revolutionized the surgery planning process by providing detailed visualizations of expected post-surgical outcomes. This technology enhances the decision-making process, enabling patients to choose their implants with greater confidence and ultimately leading to higher satisfaction with the postoperative outcome. This study aims to assess the accuracy of 3D imaging simulations using the Canfield Vectra XT 3D system in predicting breast augmentation outcomes in Chinese patients, focusing on volume, surface contour, breast anterior-posterior (AP) Projection, and breast internal angle. Our study analyzed female patients who received breast augmentation, documenting their preoperative and three-month postoperative conditions with 3D Vectra XT system images. Exclusions were made for patients undergoing concurrent breast surgeries or those with tuberous or ptotic breasts, due to limitations of the imaging system. Implants used were either round textured or anatomically shaped cohesive silicone gel, inserted subpectorally through trans-axillary or inframammary incisions, based on personalized evaluations. A detailed comparison between preoperative simulations and actual postoperative outcomes was conducted, focusing on volume, surface contour, AP projection, and internal angle variations. Statistical significance was determined through paired T tests, P < 0.05. In the analysis of preoperative simulations for determining postoperative outcomes in breast surgery, our study involving 42 Chinese patients, a total of 84 breasts, was conducted. The results indicated a mean volumetric discrepancy of 21.5 ± 10.3 (SD) cubic centimeters between the simulated and actual postoperative outcomes, achieving an accuracy rate of 91.9%. The root mean square deviation for the breast surface geometry was calculated to be 4.5 ± 1.1 (SD) millimeters (mm), demonstrating a low variance between the predicted and observed outcomes. The investigation found no significant variations across any specific areas of the breast surface, highlighting the uniform accuracy of the simulations across the entire breast. Additionally, the mean differences in Anterior-Posterior (AP) projection and internal angle were determined to be 8.82 ± 5.64 mm and 0.48 ± 1.91 (SD) degrees, respectively. These findings collectively attest to the efficacy of preoperative simulations in accurately predicting the postoperative physical appearance of breasts, thereby providing a valuable tool for surgical planning and improving the consultation process for patients. The Canfield Vectra XT 3D system has proven to be remarkably accurate in predicting the volumetric outcomes of breast augmentation surgery, with an accuracy rate exceeding 91.9%. It stands as a valuable tool for surgeons and patients alike, enhancing the preoperative planning process by offering a realistic preview of surgical results. This advancement not only facilitates a deeper understanding and setting of realistic expectations for patients but also strengthens the communication between patients and surgeons, ultimately leading to higher satisfaction rates with the surgical outcomes. It also emphasizes the significance of detailed documentation and consent processes in protecting against legal repercussions. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The Course of the Trochlear Nerve Presented via a 3-Dimensional Photorealistic Anatomic Model

Several factors contribute to the anatomical complexity of the trochlear nerve, including small diameter, complex and longest intracranial course, deep location, and numerous neurovascular relationships. A 3-dimensional (3D) photorealistic model of the cranial nerves provides a detailed and immersive representation of the anatomy, enabling one to improve surgical planning, advanced surgical research, and training. The purpose of this work is to present a 3D photogrammetric study for a more intuitive and interactive way to explore and describe the entire course of trochlear nerve. Two injected-fixed head human specimens (4 sides) were examined. The dissection protocol was divided into the following steps: 1) brain hemisphere exposure; 2) hemispherectomy dissecting all cranial nerves and partial removal of the free edge of the tentorium; 3) middle fossa and lateral wall of cavernous sinus exposure; and 4) orbital exposure. A detailed 3D photogrammetric model was generated for each dissection step. Four main volumetric models were generated during a step-by-step layered dissection of the entire nerve pathway highlighting its different segments. Finally, a full and integrated model of the entire course of the nerve was created. The models are available for visualization on monoscopic display, virtual, and augmented reality environment. The present photogrammetric model provides a more comprehensive understanding of the nerve's anatomy in its different segments, allows for customizable views thus simulating different perspectives, and can be a valuable alternative to traditional dissections. It is an advanced tool for surgical planning and surgical simulation as well as virtual reality representation of the anatomy.

The role of virtual endoscopy in surgical practice of otolaryngology head and neck surgery: a review article

Virtual endoscopy involves the acquisition of data to generate a three-dimensional view of hollow anatomical structures. This interface would allow for the realistic integration of anatomical structures in complex cavities involving sinuses, larynx, and ears. Current literature lacks updated review on the role virtual endoscopy in otolaryngological practice. This paper serves to highlight the use of virtual endoscopy in amongst three main domains: otology, rhinology and laryngology. Review of literature were conducted using various databases including, Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, google scholar. Only papers in full text, English language, and relevant to our objectives were included. A critical descriptive review of the papers were performed to illustrate the strength and weakness on the utilization of virtual endoscopy as a surgical planning tool in otorhinolaryngology practice. The advantages of applying VE in our practice serves two folds; as an educational tool for novice trainees mainly for surgical skill acquisition and as a pre-op planning to understand complex anatomical narrow operative fields. Our paper is the first to demonstrate the most updated commentary review article of the application of virtual endoscopy in sinus surgery, laryngeal airway evaluation and the assessment of ear surgery.

18F-FDG PET/CT and radiolabeled leukocyte SPECT/CT imaging for the evaluation of cardiovascular infection in the multimodality context: ASNC Imaging Indications (ASNC I2) Series Expert Consensus Recommendations from ASNC, AATS, ACC, AHA, ASE, EANM, HRS, IDSA, SCCT, SNMMI, and STS.

This document on cardiovascular infection, including infective endocarditis, is the first in the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology Imaging Indications (ASNC I2) series to assess the role of radionuclide imaging in the multimodality context for the evaluation of complex systemic diseases with multi-societal involvement including pertinent disciplines. A rigorous modified Delphi approach was used to determine consensus clinical indications, diagnostic criteria, and an algorithmic approach to diagnosis of cardiovascular infection including infective endocarditis. Cardiovascular infection incidence is increasing and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Current strategies based on clinical criteria and an initial echocardiographic imaging approach are effective but often insufficient in complicated cardiovascular infection. Radionuclide imaging with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and single photon emission computed tomography/CT leukocyte scintigraphy can enhance the evaluation of suspected cardiovascular infection by increasing diagnostic accuracy, identifying extracardiac involvement, and assessing cardiac implanted device pockets, leads, and all portions of ventricular assist devices. This advanced imaging can aid in key medical and surgical considerations. Consensus diagnostic features include focal/multi-focal or diffuse heterogenous intense 18F-FDG uptake on valvular and prosthetic material, perivalvular areas, device pockets and leads, and ventricular assist device hardware persisting on non-attenuation corrected images. There are numerous clinical indications with a larger role in prosthetic valves, and cardiac devices particularly with possible infective endocarditis or in the setting of prior equivocal or non-diagnostic imaging. Illustrative cases incorporating these consensus recommendations provide additional clarification. Future research is necessary to refine application of these advanced imaging tools for surgical planning, to identify treatment response, and more.

Comparison of Low-Dose Computed Tomography Versus Conventional-Dose Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Distal Radius Fractures.

Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are common upper extremity fractures and often require surgical fixation when they are intraarticular. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) has emerged as a surgical planning tool to evaluate intraarticular DRFs. Although CT affords additional details, patients receive higher radiation doses than standard radiographs. We aim to develop a low-dose CT (LDCT) protocol, relative to the institutional standard-dose CT wrist for intraarticular DRFs although providing adequate detail for surgical decision-making. A single-institution prospective study was conducted on patients with intraarticular DRFs who underwent closed reduction and below-elbow splinting who otherwise would undergo wrist CT. Observations were defined as total measurements taken, with each view undergoing 44 measurements. Patients underwent 2 scans with a standard dose and a 10× dose reduction. Articular step and gap measurements were recorded in the sagittal and coronal images. A total of 11 patients were enrolled (7 women and 4 men). The mean age was 55 years (SD = 20.1). There were a total of 4 reviewers: 1 attending surgeon, 2 resident physicians, and 1 student. When comparing LDCT and conventional-dose CT (CDCT), there were no significant differences in step and gap measurements across all reviewers. This study demonstrated that LDCT provides comparable imaging quality for surgical planning as a CDCT without significant diagnostic decay in the setting of DRFs. This comes with the added benefit of a 10-fold reduction in radiation exposure. These results suggest that LDCT is an opportunity to reduce effective radiation in patients although providing beneficial preoperative imaging.

Cornea and Anterior Segment Parameters and Their Importance in Eye Disease

Corneal and anterior segment parameters (ASP) are valuable in diagnosis and risk assessment of diseases such as glaucoma and keratoconus and it is also an invaluable tool in patient selection and surgical planning of excimer laser refractive surgery. Devices where cornea and anterior segment parameters are measured include Sirius system, Pentacam, Orbscan, Galilei, Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (ASOCT).

Development and validation of a surgical planning tool for bone-conduction implants

BackgroundThe BONEBRIDGE® (Med-El GmbH) is a bone-conduction device comprising an external audio processor and an internal Bone Conduction-Floating Mass Transducer (BC-FMT) surgically anchored to the temporal bone. Due to the implant's size, its placement may be challenging in certain anatomies, necessitating thorough surgical planning. Manual planning methods are laborious, time-intensive, and prone to errors. This study aimed to develop and validate an automated algorithm for determining skull thickness, aiding in the surgical planning of the BONEBRIDGE and other devices requiring similar bone thickness estimations. Materials and methodsTwelve cadaveric temporal bones underwent clinical computed tomography (CT). A custom Python algorithm was developed to automatically segment bone from soft tissue, generate 3D models, and perform ray-tracing to estimate bone thickness. Two thickness colormaps were generated for each sample: the cortical thickness to the first air cell and the total thickness down to the dura. The algorithm was validated against expert manual measurements to achieve consensus interpretation. ResultsThe algorithm estimated bone-to-air thicknesses (mean = 4.7 mm, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] of 4.3–5.0 mm) that closely matched the expert measurements (mean = 4.7 mm, CI of 4.4–5.0 mm), with a mean absolute difference (MAD) of 0.3 mm. Similarly, the algorithm's estimations to the dura (6.0 mm, CI of 5.4–6.5 mm) were comparable to the expert markings (5.9 mm, CI of 5.4–6.5 mm), with a MAD of 0.3 mm. ConclusionsThe first automated algorithm to calculate skull thickness to both the air cells and dura in the temporal bone was developed. Colormaps were optimized to aid with the surgical planning of BONEBRIDGE implantation, however the tool can be generalized to aid in the surgical planning of any bone thickness application. The tool was published as a freely available extension to the open-source 3D Slicer software program (www.slicer.org).