Ray Evenhouse

Virtual temporal bone: Creation and application of a new computer-based teaching tool☆☆☆

The human temporal bone is a 3-dimensionally complex anatomic region with many unique qualities that make anatomic teaching and learning difficult. Current teaching tools have proved only partially adequate for the needs of the aspiring otologic surgeon in learning this anatomy. We used a variety of computerized image processing and reconstruction techniques to reconstruct an anatomically accurate 3-dimensional computer model of the human temporal bone from serial histologic sections. The model is viewed with a specialized visualization system that allows it to be manipulated easily in a stereoscopic virtual environment. The model may then be interactively studied from any viewpoint, greatly simplifying the task of conceptualizing and learning this anatomy. The system also provides for simultaneous computer networking that can bring distant participants into a single shared virtual teaching environment. Future directions of the project are discussed.

Designing cranial implants in a haptic augmented reality environment

Medical sculptors and neurosurgeons create virtual 3D cranial models based on patient CT data superimposed over their hands as if they were sculpting physical models.

Virtual reality: new method of teaching anorectal and pelvic floor anatomy.

AbstractPURPOSE: A clear understanding of the intricate spatial relationships among the structures of the pelvic floor, rectum, and anal canal is essential for the treatment of numerous pathologic conditions. Virtual-reality technology allows improved visualization of three-dimensional structures over conventional media because it supports stereoscopic-vision, viewer-centered perspective, large angles of view, and interactivity. We describe a novel virtual reality-based model designed to teach anorectal and pelvic floor anatomy, pathology, and surgery. METHODS: A static physical model depicting the pelvic floor and anorectum was created and digitized at 1-mm intervals in a CT scanner. Multiple software programs were used along with endoscopic images to generate a realistic interactive computer model, which was designed to be viewed on a networked, interactive, virtual-reality display (CAVE® or ImmersaDesk®). A standard examination of ten basic anorectal and pelvic floor anatomy questions was administered to third-year (n = 6) and fourth-year (n = 7) surgical residents. A workshop using the Virtual Pelvic Floor Model was then given, and the standard examination was readministered so that it was possible to evaluate the effectiveness of the Digital Pelvic Floor Model as an educational instrument. RESULTS: Training on the Virtual Pelvic Floor Model produced substantial improvements in the overall average test scores for the two groups, with an overall increase of 41 percent (P = 0.001) and 21 percent (P = 0.0007) for third-year and fourth-year residents, respectively. Resident evaluations after the workshop also confirmed the effectiveness of understanding pelvic anatomy using the Virtual Pelvic Floor Model. CONCLUSION: This model provides an innovative interactive educational framework that allows educators to overcome some of the barriers to teaching surgical and endoscopic principles based on understanding highly complex three-dimensional anatomy. Using this collaborative, shared virtual-reality environment, teachers and students can interact from locations world-wide to manipulate the components of this model to achieve the educational goals of this project along with the potential for virtual surgery.

The virtual temporal bone, a tele-immersive educational environment

Abstract This paper describes the development of the virtual temporal bone, a new method of teaching the complex anatomy of the middle and inner ear utilizing virtual reality and current networking technology. Virtual reality technology allows a better visualization of these three-dimensional structures than conventional media because it supports stereo vision, viewer-centered perspective, large angles of view, and interactivity. Two or more ImmersaDeskTM systems, drafting table format virtual reality displays, are networked together providing an environment where teacher and student share a high quality three-dimensional anatomical model, and are able to converse and to point in three dimensions to indicate areas of interest. This project was realized by the teamwork of otologic surgeons, medical artists and sculptors, computer scientists and computer visualization experts.

Pre-surgical Cranial Implant Design using the PARIS Prototype

Repairing severe human skull injuries requirescustomized cranial implants, and current visualizationresearch aims to develop a new approach to create theseimplants. Following pre-surgical design techniquespioneered at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)in 1996, researchers have developed an immersivecranial implant application incorporating haptic forcefeedback and augmented reality. The application runs onthe Personal Augmented Reality Immersive System(PARIS?), allowing the modeler to see clearly both hishands and the virtual workspace. The strengths ofmultiple software libraries are maximized to simplifydevelopment. This research lays the foundation toeventually replace the traditional modeling andevaluation processes.

A reusable plastic training model for teaching Papanicolaou smear technique

A reusable plastic Papanicolaou smear training model was developed to teach the techniques of the Papanicolaou smear. The model design allows immediate feedback and opportunity for skills practice, yet it is efficient and cost effective. Its use is recommended for instruction in the techniques of the Papanicolaou smear.