Virtual Reality-assisted awake brain mapping. (Preprint)

Abstract

Preserving major cognitive functions, such as visuo-spatial and social cognition in the surgical management of brain tumors could be decisive for the postoperative quality of life. Using virtual reality during awake brain surgery appears to be interesting for preserving complex cognitive functions. Developing neuropsychological tasks appropriate for use during awake brain surgery using virtual reality technology is challenging.

In this paper, we describe our preliminary experience of extending progressively complex cognitive paradigms via dynamic VR environments during 68 peri-operative brain mapping.

This is a single center, retrospective longitudinal study, concerning two cohorts.

A total of 65 patients (30 women, mean age 49.7, range 23-75) operated with VR-assisted Brain mapping were included. At least one VR task (VR-DO 80, VR Estermann or VR-TANGO task) during DES were done for all the patients. The mean duration of surgery was 4 h 30 min, the mean duration of the awake phase was 2 h 15 min. The mean intensity used for DES was 3 mA (Intensity from 0,5 to 8 mA). Mean total duration of VRH use per patient at 16 min (from 10 to 37 min). VR task allowed to preserve language, visual field, visuospatial and social cognition in our serie.

We show through illustrative cases how VR opens new possibilities for the mapping of complex cognitive functions within the operating theater.

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03010943Virtual reality; awake neurosurgery; visual field; social cognition; visuospatial cognition; unilateral spatial neglect.

RR2-10.2196/10332.