Three-Dimensional Photorealistic and Virtual Reality Study of the Supratentorial Ventricular System in Relation to Superficial Cranial and Cerebral Landmarks.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

The complex spatial organization and deeply embedded position of the cerebral ventricular system present substantial difficulties for anatomic comprehension, particularly among neurosurgical trainees and residents. These challenges are most pronounced in understanding the supratentorial ventricular system's orientation and its projection to superficial cortical and cranial structures. To investigate how advanced three-dimensional (3D) anatomic reconstructions, using photogrammetry and virtual reality (VR) technologies, may offer an educational tool-providing interactive, high-fidelity visualization that enhances the understanding of the supratentorial ventricular system.

METHODS

Three brain specimens and one head specimen were used. Window craniotomies were performed to expose superficial brain anatomy in relation to cranial landmarks. Each brain was sequentially dissected to expose the anatomy of the lateral and third ventricles. The specimens were photogrammetrically scanned to generate photorealistic 3D models, which were subsequently imported into VR. A segmented ventricular system from an open-access database was fused with a photogrammetric whole brain and a model highlighting craniometric key points to better present the projection of the ventricles to superficial structures.

RESULTS

Nine photogrammetric models were created, enabling visualization of the ventricular system in all 3 anatomic planes in relation to superficial cortical and skull landmarks. 3D interaction in VR allowed for better observation of the deep ventricular anatomy sequentially with their corresponding superficial brain structures. In addition, semitransparent renderings of craniometric landmark models, incorporating the segmented ventricle data, allowed for clear identification of their projections over the overlying cortical structures and VR simulation of ventricular entry trajectories.

CONCLUSION

This study integrates traditional dissection techniques with 3D photogrammetry and VR to investigate the cortical projections of the supratentorial ventricular system and its related structures. These photorealistic anatomic models offer a novel, reproducible platform to enhance spatial understanding of the (peri-)ventricular anatomy, with direct implications for neurosurgical training.