Use of Ultra-High-Resolution Data for Temporal Bone Dissection Simulation

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: For the past 5 years, our group has been developing a virtual temporal bone dissection environment for training otologic surgeons. Throughout the course of our development, a recurring challenge is the acquisition of high-resolution, multimodal, and multi-scale data sets that are used for the visual as well as haptic (sense of touch) display. This study presents several new techniques in temporal bone imaging and their use as data for surgical simulation. METHODS: At our institution (OSU), we are fortunate to have a high-field (8 Tesla) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) research magnet that provides an order of magnitude higher resolution compared to clinical 1.5T MRI scanners. Magnetic resonance imaging has traditionally been superb at delineating soft tissue structure, and certainly, the 8T unit does indeed do this at a resolution of 100-200 μm3. To delineate the bony structure of the mastoid and middle ear, computed tomography (CT) has traditionally been used because of the high signal-to-noise ratio delineating bone signal from air and soft tissue. We have partnered with researchers at other institutions (CCF) to make use of a “microCT” that provides a resolution of 214 × 214 × 390 micrometers of bony structure. RESULTS: This report provides a description of the 2 methodologies and presentation of the striking image data capable of being generated. See images presented. CONCLUSIONS: Using these 2 new and innovative imaging modalities, we provide an order of magnitude greater resolution to the visual and haptic display in our temporal bone dissection simulation environment.