心臓血管外科における新たな三次元イメージングシステム―バーチャルリアリティ技術の有用性

A Novel Virtual-reality Imaging System in Cardiovascular Surgery：a Potentially Promising Technology for Surgeons

本学では，医工連携により共同開発した画像解析ソフトウェアVesalius 3D suite（PS medtech社，Amsterdam）［本邦未承認］を用いて，心臓血管系の三次元解析の研究をすすめている．本稿では最先端のイメージング技術を紹介する．

Adequate preoperative planning may facilitate successful procedures in cardiovascular surgery. We have developed a system named the Vesalius 3D suite, combining three-dimensional （3D） image-processing software with an optic-tracking spatial navigation, allowing quick, accessible 3D image interpretation for virtual reality （VR） exploration and measurement from one or more of a range of imaging modalities. We present a novel method of virtual imaging analysis for preoperative planning and simulation in cardiovascular surgery using this 3D-VR system. Based on unimodal or multimodal medical imaging data, digital imaging and communication in medicine （DICOM） data sets can be reconstructed for 3D visualization. Virtually reconstructed images can be viewed on flat-screen or stereoscopic display, revealing each patient’s specific anatomy and the internal structures in exquisite detail. Highly accessible 3D interpretation promptly permits precise measurements of repair-relevant anatomical parameters including geometrically complex shapes. This technology may promote understanding of form and function in the cardiovascular system, and facilitate operative procedures in more challenging cases, and it seems especially valuable for any surgeon to gain experience in practicing for rarely-performed procedures or uncommon patient-specific preoperative surgical rehearsal.