34th Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Objectives:

For some years now, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality, and mixed reality technologies have transcended the boundaries of gaming; their use in the field of medicine, especially surgery, has been increasing. This study aimed to describe the first cases employing the use of these technologies in veterinary surgery and to identify the potential of these technologies and their impact on veterinary surgical practice.

Methods:

Starting from a dicom file (CT, RNM, RX), three-dimensional (3D) modelling can be used to create a “digital twin” of the patient, and extremely thorough and accurate planning of the surgery to be performed can be conducted on this digital twin. We used these tools in two cases of vascular anomalies in dogs: a porto-azigos continuation (shunt) with aplasia of the pre- and intrahepatic tracts of the caudal vena cava, and an aorto-pulmonary fistula. To better understand the vascular anatomy, we created a 3D model of the vascular compartment after a pre-surgical study. Using an AR headset, we performed the surgery by superimposing the virtual model on the patient and requesting real-time remote consultation of a radiologist who had reported the use of angioTc.

Results:

In both cases, the use of AR helped us to complete the procedures successfully.

Conclusions:

The potential of these technologies in the field of medicine is still largely unknown. At this stage, veterinary medicine can play a very important role in the development of software and solutions that will also have an impact on the medical world.