Advanced Medical Visualization
The George Washington University Hospital now uses an advanced virtual reality tool for neurosurgery and thoracic surgery. Precision Virtual Reality by Surgical Theater enables surgeons to virtually explore a patient’s brain and body prior to performing a procedure. The technology was inspired by flight simulators designed to train fighter pilots.
The platform enables surgeons to:
- Preview an upcoming surgical procedure much like a fighter pilot can pre-fly a mission
- Increase situational awareness as they plan a procedure
- Improve surgical efficiency
- Potentially reduce complications and procedure time
- Virtually walk patients and their families through their surgical plan, increasing patient engagement and understanding
- Hone their skills in a dynamic, interactive environment
- Collaborate with peers to study new techniques and review patient cases
The platform consists of several products, including the SuRgical Planner, the Precision VR Viewer, the Surgical Navigation Advanced Platform and the VR STudio.
Schedule an Appointment
Please fill out our general appointment form below or call our referral service at 888-4GW-DOCS.
SuRgical Planner
The SuRgical Planner creates patient-specific VR reconstructions using traditional imaging technologies, such as CT and MRI scans. This helps the surgeon plan the surgery, test different surgical techniques and educate patients about their condition.
During surgery, neurosurgeons use a 360-degree virtual reconstruction of the patient’s brain to confirm the location of a brain tumor as well as critical structures near the tumor. This virtual reconstruction helps make the surgery safer as we remove the tumor and protect important structures in the brain.
Precision VR Viewer
The Precision VR Viewer brings the patient-specific VR reconstructions directly to the patient. This tool is used to help educate the patient about their medical condition and upcoming procedure.
During a clinic visit, neurosurgeons use a 360-degree virtual reconstruction to describe how they plan to safely remove a brain tumor. The patient wears a headset to virtually fly into their own head in an effort to better understand their condition and how we are going to help them.
Surgical Navigation Advanced Platform
The Surgical Navigation Advanced Platform enhances the surgeon's operating workflow by integrating with and enhancing the existing surgical navigation system.
VR STudio
The VR STudio is a collaborative environment powered by Precision VR. This platform allows dynamic patient-specific case review, presentations and education.
Patient Story: Danielle Collins
Danielle Collins was admitted to GW Hospital after being diagnosed with a rare brain condition. Neurosurgeons used virtual reality to help save her life. Watch the video to learn more: