UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland has become the first stand-alone children’s hospital to acquire the Precision VR virtual reality visualization platform by Surgical Theater to assist with pediatric neurosurgery.

The technology is designed to allow surgeons to walk patients and their families through a 360-degree model based on the patient’s own CT and MRI imaging, to help further understanding of the condition and treatment plan, and facilitate shared decision-making and comprehension.

The models have also been useful for intraoperative visualization and navigation during complex surgical procedures, according to a media release from UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland.

“The opportunity to see structures and anatomic relationships that were not readily apparent in two-dimensions is a great value. I can rehearse entire surgical sequences ahead of time in 3D,” says Kurtis Auguste, MD, chair of the Department of Surgery and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland Chief of Neurosurgery, in the release.

“All of this can be shared with the patient and their parents. This virtual world sheds layers of anxiety for them as they tour their own brains and understand their problem in entirely new ways. In this way, we are both better prepared for the surgery ahead.”

When wearing the VR headset, a VR-empowered physician and patient can tour a patient’s pathology. By simply turning their head from side to side, the patient can further explore their anatomy as the surgeon explains and demonstrates the planned surgical path or minimally invasive corridor the medical team will use during the procedure, the release notes.

“It is an honor to be partnering with the dedicated doctors and medical professionals at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital,” states Moty Avisar, CEO and co-founder of Surgical Theater, in the release. “We are very proud that our technology facilitates meaningful physician-to-patient engagement, resulting in enhanced patient understanding, superior experience, and satisfaction.”

[Source(s): UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, PRWeb]