Does stereoscopic imaging improve the memorization of medical imaging by neurosurgeons? Experience of a single institution

Stereoscopic imaging has increasingly been used in anatomical teaching and neurosurgery. The aim of our study was to analyze the potential utility of stereoscopic imaging as a tool for memorizing neurosurgical patient cases compared to conventional monoscopic visualization. A total of 16 residents and 6 consultants from the Department of Neurosurgery at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin were recruited for the study. They were divided into two equally experienced groups. A comparative analysis of both imaging modalities was conducted in which four different cases were assessed by the participants. Following the image assessment, two questionnaires, one analyzing the subjective judgment using the 5-point Likert Scale and the other assessing the memorization and anatomical accuracy, were completed by all participants. Both groups had the same median year of experience (5) and stereoacuity (≤ 75 s of arc). The analysis of the first questionnaire demonstrated significant subjective superiority of the monoscopic imaging in evaluation of the pathology (median: monoscopic: 4; stereoscopic: 3; p = 0.020) and in handling of the system (median: monoscopic: 5; stereoscopic: 2; p < 0.001). The second questionnaire showed that the anatomical characterization of the pathologies was comparable between both visualization methods. Most participants rated the stereoscopic visualization as worse compared to the monoscopic visualization, probably due to a lack of familiarity with the newer technique. Stereoscopic imaging, however, was not objectively inferior to traditional monoscopic imaging for anatomical comprehension. Further methodological developments and incorporation in routine clinical workflows will most likely enhance the usability and acceptance of stereoscopic visualization.

A Single-Center Experience with the Olympus ORBEYE 4K-3D Exoscope for Microsurgery of Complex Cranial Cases: Technical Nuances and Learning Curve

Background The introduction of exoscopes in neurosurgery has been welcomed due to their maneuverability, ergonomics, and low-profile frame. 3D devices have further enabled a better stereoscopic visualization. Reports on their application, albeit more and more frequent, are still at their beginning stages. We present our experience with the Olympus ORBEYE 4K-3D exoscope for major cranial procedures. The strengths and weaknesses of the exoscope are presented, and the nuances associated with the learning curve are illustrated. Methods Over 2 weeks, patients undergoing surgery for major cranial pathologies were offered to participate in this evaluation of the Olympus ORBEYE 4K-3D exoscope. Information on the use of the exoscope was collected to assess the features and struggles in the learning curve. A comparison with the operating microscope was made. Results Fourteen patients with different intracranial pathologies were operated on with the exoscope. No surgery-related complications occurred. The microsurgical part was performed with the exoscope in six cases. The exoscope was used for 72.9% (±37.5%) of the whole microsurgical time vs. 27.1% (±37.5%) microscope time (p = 0.02). Conclusion The Olympus ORBEYE 4K-3D exoscope represents a useful evolution of the operating microscope. It requires time to overcome potential difficulties, mostly related to previous motor schemes acquired with operating microscopes. Its features could represent the basis for a paradigm shift in microsurgery.

Development and Use of a Stereoscopic System in Stereometry Training

This article briefly presents how the StereoMV mathematical software is designed and used. It consists of five modules: interface, stereoscopic visualization, stereometry, training module and knowledge testing module. The stereoscopic system is research-oriented and designed for the presented modules. The purpose of the system is to allow students to control, observe and manipulate geometric shapes in space. StereoMV is part of a dissertation on the following topic: “Stereoscopic Training System”. A new boundary method, created by the author of the system, is used to generate geometric shapes. This method takes part in the generation of a circle by means of a quadratic Bézier curve using three control points. The use of the matrix calculus, which plays a role in the generation of geometric shapes and the performance of transformations, is of particular importance in the development of the system.