1. Penn Neurosurgery Goes 3D
Released: 2/16/2006 2:20 PM EST
Newswise — Neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania are
now using virtual reality, three-dimensional (3D) imaging for surgical planning, evaluation, and education.
Prior to walking into the Operating Room, Penn neurosurgeons can now use a Dextroscope® to create
interactive, 3D images of their patient's brain to plan the best surgical approach in dealing most effectively
with a diagnosed condition.
"This superior technology provides remarkable advances in imaging and surgical planning for brain and
skull-base tumors and epilepsy," said Sean Grady, MD, Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at Penn.
"It allows us to look at the brain in ways similar to how we would during surgery, and then plan the best
technique for each patient before we even begin. This is of great benefit to the patient, because it results in
a less-invasive surgical process, using smaller incisions."
The Dextroscope works by fusing multi-modality images - such as CT and MRI - into 3D volumetric objects
that, when viewed through special stereoscopic goggles, are transformed into virtual reality, 3D images.
The suspended brain images give
surgeons a detailed advance
visualization of the complex
anatomical relationships and
pathology of the patient's brain.
Further, the images can be easily
manipulated by the surgeons, in real
time, by using a control mechanism
and stylus that work in conjunction
with the Dextroscope. Such hands-
on interaction - including "virtual
drilling" for surgical-path planning
and tools to measure linear
distances and curved surfaces in 3D
space - permits the surgical team to
plan and "test" their exact clinical
approach.
The Dextroscope also serves as an
educational tool for neurosurgeons
at any level of expertise, teaching
both basic anatomy and advanced
surgical techniques. With this
technology, the user can practice a
procedure over and over.
"The advanced imaging and planning capabilities that this technology offers is enhancing how we perform
neurosurgery here at Penn," said Grady.
Penn's Department of Neurosurgery covers the entire spectrum of disorders that impair the central and
peripheral nervous system. Performing over 2,000 operations each year, the Department provides superb
patient care by embracing new technologies and integrating research with clinical practice.
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2. PENN Medicine is a $2.7 billion enterprise dedicated to the related missions of medical education,
biomedical research, and high-quality patient care. PENN Medicine consists of the University of
Pennsylvania School of Medicine (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of
Pennsylvania Health System.
Penn's School of Medicine is ranked #2 in the nation for receipt of NIH research funds; and ranked #4 in the
nation in U.S. News & World Report's most recent ranking of top research-oriented medical schools.
Supporting 1,400 fulltime faculty and 700 students, the School of Medicine is recognized worldwide for its
superior education and training of the next generation of physician-scientists and leaders of academic
medicine.
Penn Health System comprises: its flagship hospital, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania,
consistently rated one of the nation's "Honor Roll" hospitals by U.S. News & World Report; Pennsylvania
Hospital, the nation's first hospital; Penn Presbyterian Medical Center; a faculty practice plan; a primary-
care provider network; two multispecialty satellite facilities; and home health care and hospice.
©2012 Newswise, Inc.215 5th St. SW, Suite 100, Charlottesville VA 22903 434-296-9417