22 Sep 3D Models and Immersive Virtual Reality Simulation for Complex Skull Base Surgery

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Alfred Marc Calo Iloreta

Alfred Marc Calo Iloreta, MD
Assistant Professor
Skull Base Surgery and Rhinology
Department of Otolaryngology –
Head and Neck Surgery
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, New York

MedicalResearch.com: Would you tell us a little about yourself? How did you become interested in ENT and your subspecialty in particular?

Response: I am a ENT/Head and Neck Surgeon practicing in Manhattan at the Mount Sinai Hospital. I trained here in New York City for residency and also completed a fellowship in Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery.

I chose this field and sub-specialty because of the intricate and complex anatomy of the head and neck. In addition rhinology and skull base surgery utilizes multiple advanced technologies from high definition optics, to neuronavigation to allow us to work with this complex anatomy.

MedicalResearch.com: How do you incorporate 3D printers into the surgical planning and procedure? What types of tumors or anomalies are best handled with this technology?

Response: Our group has been using 3D printers for the past year or so to replicate and “print” patient specific anatomy as well as their pathology. For example I am amble to print out a patients skull as well as important neurovascular structures such as the carotid artery or optic nerve in addition to their specific pathology such as a tumor. Using this print I can plan how we would specifically approach and remove the tumor to maximize our ability to safely resect the tumor and minimize the morbidity of the operation itself.

MedicalResearch.com: What is meant by a “Surgical Theater”?

Response:“Surgical Theater” allows me to do something similar without the need of making a physical print. Using this technology we are able to take a patients CT and MRI imaging and reconstruct their anatomy to create a patient specific plan and approach to the tumor to again maximize the ability to safely remove their tumor while minimizing the incision and surgical morbidity. These reconstructions can be explored on a computer but also using immersive virtual reality technology such as the Oculus Rift. We can actually “fly” thru and around the tumor so I can get very familiar with the anatomy.

MedicalResearch.com: What types of tumors or anomalies are best handled with this technology?

Response: We can use this application in nearly any skull base tumor, in addition we have been exploring the application of this type of technology in inflammatory sinus disease and have used it in complex spine surgery such as removal of the odontoid process.

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:

September 2016 AOS-HNS presentation:

3D Models and Immersive VR Simulation for Complex Skull Base Surgery

Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

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Last Updated on September 22, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD