Augmented reality-assisted roadmaps during periventricular brain surgery

Abstract

Visualizing major periventricular anatomical landmarks intraoperatively during brain tumor removal is a decisive measure toward preserving such structures and thus the patient's postoperative quality of life. The aim of this study was to describe potential standardized preoperative planning using standard landmarks and procedures and to demonstrate the feasibility of using augmented reality (AR) to assist in performing surgery according to these “roadmaps.” The authors have depicted stepwise AR surgical roadmaps applied to periventricular brain surgery with the aim of preserving major cognitive function. In addition to the technological aspects, this study highlights the importance of using emerging technologies as potential tools to integrate information and to identify and visualize landmarks to be used during tumor removal.