Vertical Hemispherotomy: Contribution of Advanced Three-Dimensional Modeling for Presurgical Planning and Training

Abstract

Vertical hemispherotomy is an effective treatment for many drug-resistant encephalopathies with unilateral involvement. One of the main factors influencing positive surgical results and long-term seizure freedom is the quality of disconnection. For this reason, perfect anatomical awareness is mandatory during each step of the procedure. Although previous groups attempted to reproduce the surgical anatomy through schematic representations, cadaveric dissections, and intraoperative photographs and videos, a comprehensive understanding of the approach may still be difficult, especially for less experienced neurosurgeons. In this work, we reported the application of advanced technology for three-dimensional (3D) modeling and visualization of the main neurova-scular structures during vertical hemispherotomy procedures. In the first part of the study, we built a detailed 3D model of the main structures and landmarks involved during each disconnection phase. In the second part, we discussed the adjunctive value of augmented reality systems for the management of the most challenging etiologies, such as hemimegalencephaly and post-ischemic encephalopathy. We demonstrated the contribution of advanced 3D modeling and visualization to enhance the quality of anatomical representation and interaction between the operator and model according to a surgical perspective, optimizing the quality of presurgical planning, intraoperative orientation, and educational training.