A novel real-time web3D surgical teaching tool based on webGL

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is the demonstration of a real-time Web3D surgical learning application. In contrast to existing medical elearning portals, we provide interactive web-based 3D models derived from patient-specific image data. The 3D visualizations are accessible in real-time with our newly developed 3D viewer based on X3D and WebGL. Thus, no platform-specific browser plugin is required. Additional information, such as annotated 2D DICOM data, high-quality surgical movies and a quiz can be used by the learner to train his/her knowledge about human anatomy and surgical procedures. Our conclusion is that our presented Web3D e-learning application may support traditional educational methods like lectures and schoolbooks. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2012.