Objective: To explore and develop three-dimension (3D) virtual reality (VR) liver model and convert computed tomography data into a fully 3D VR environment for display, measure and manipulation.
Methods: 3D-reconstruction of liver was restored from spiral computed tomography (CT) data by using LiVirtue software. Dextrobeam was used to view the 3D model in the VR environment. The liver and its anatomic structure were reconstructed to illuminate the location of the tumor and its related vessels.
Results: 3D models of liver, tumor and their relative vessels were reconstructed successfully. These models could be viewed and manipulated in the VR environment on personal computer.38 patients underwent liver resection, including 21 right hemihepatectomy, 14 left hemihepatectomy and 3 extended right hemihepatectomy. The intraoperative contrast with preoperative simulation confirmed the reliability of our 3D operative planning system.
Conclusions: The preoperative simulation in 3D VR facilitated liver resection by the ability to view tumor and its relative vessels. This preoperative estimation from 3D model of liver benefits a lot to complicated liver resection.