2026 Proffered Presentations
S173: ADVANCED VOLUMETRIC AND PHOTOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES FOR THE DOCUMENTATION OF SURGICAL NEUROANATOMY: A JOURNEY INTO THE CREATION OF IMMERSIVE EDUCATIONAL CONTENT
Roberto Rodriguez Rubio, MD; Chiara Angelini, MD; Marco Obersnel; Hao Tang, MD; Ivan El-Sayed; UCSF
Background: Accurate and detailed documentation of surgical neuroanatomy is crucial for education, research, and surgical planning. However, capturing the intricate details and spatial relationships of these structures can be challenging. This presentation explores how combining photographic and volumetric reconstruction techniques can address this challenge.
Methods: This cadaver-based study investigated the application of various photographic techniques, including stereoscopy, macrophotography, focus stacking, panoramic photography, long exposure, UV luminance, full-spectrum photography, and stop-motion photography. Additionally, volumetric reconstruction techniques like photogrammetry, structured light scanning, and artificial intelligence (i.e., neural rendering frameworks) were explored with anatomical datasets obtained from cadaver dissections.
Results: Each photographic technique offered unique advantages in capturing specific aspects of surgical neuroanatomy. Stereoscopy provides depth perception, while macrophotography offers high-resolution magnification. Focus stacking extends depth-of-field, and panoramic photography captures wider contexts. Long exposure highlights fluorescence and microscopic details, while UV luminance and full-spectrum imaging visualize specific anatomical features. Stop motion photography documents dynamic surgical processes.
Volumetric reconstruction techniques create 3D models from various data sources. Photogrammetry offers flexibility, while structured light scanning provides high precision. Neural rendering frameworks offer the potential for hyper-realistic recreation of 3D environments and reconstruction of reflective surfaces.
By combining these techniques, comprehensive documentation of surgical neuroanatomy can be achieved to advance education of residents and fellows. Interactive surgical atlases, immersive training simulations, and detailed pre-surgical planning are potential applications to be demonstrated in this presentation.
Conclusion: The synergy between photographic and volumetric techniques in documenting surgical neuroanatomy enhances the utilization of tissue donated for educational purposes and takes full advantage of novel immersive technologies. It has the potential to improve anatomical education, research, and surgical planning, ultimately leading to a deeper topological understanding of relevant microsurgical structures and subsequent improvement of patient outcomes.