Building a Web-Augmented Reality application for demonstration of kidney pathology for veterinary education

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) models created with computers and educational applications designed using such models are used in the medical field every day. However, there is a lack of macroscopic demonstration applications built with digital 3D models in the field of veterinary pathology. The aim is to build a fully interactive 3D educational web-based augmented reality application, to demonstrate macroscopic lesions in kidneys for educational purposes. We used open source and free software for all 3D modelling, Augmented Reality and website building. Sixteen 3D kidney pathology models were created. Kidney models modelled in 3D and published as WebAR are as follows: normal kidney, unilateral neurogenic shutdown with atrophy, hydronephrosis, hypercalcemia of malignancy tubular nephrosis, interstitial corticomedullary nephritis, renal infarct, multifocal petechial hemorrhages, polycystic kidneys, renal masses, multifocal nephritis, pigmentary nephrosis, papillary necrosis, glucose-related rapid autolysis (pulpy kidney), pyelonephritis, renomegaly and kidney stones. With the workflow shown here, it has been presented as a feasible model application for human pathology and presented to educators, researchers and developers who have 3D models and AR in their field of interest. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study on Web-Augmented Reality application for veterinary pathology education.