Conjoined twins could be separated thanks to virtual reality technology
When we hear about virtual reality, we can immediately think of the world of video games or entertainment. But this technology can also be used in real life fields like medicine. Recently, doctors have succeeded in a very delicate operation thanks to the use of virtual reality helmets. It was the separation of conjoined twins who were attached at the level of the brain.
bernardo and arthur are 3 year old Brazilian twins. They were born to be craniopagus twins, that is to say, they were linked at the level of the top of the skull and their brains were thus fused. It is a rare and difficult condition to treat. Surgeons had already tried to separate the two boys, but all attempts failed and caused a buildup of scar tissue.
The last attempt was the good one. A team of international surgeons have managed to limit the risks and predict the results by using virtual reality technology.
The strategy used
Surgeons worked with virtual reality engineers to create a perfect digital model of the anatomy of the two boys. For this they used MRI and CT scan images. This allowed them to “see” inside the fused brains, but more importantly, they were able to try different surgical techniques.
This is not the first time that virtual reality has been used to separate two craniopagus twins. However, according to Noor ul Owase Jeelani, one of the surgeons who carried out the procedure, and who is also the founder of the charity Gemini Untwined, this is the first time that surgeons from different countries have come together. in a digital operating room to practice the procedure together.
Jeelani said it was really good to see the anatomy and do the surgery before the real operation. This reduces the risks for children.
A big surgery
According to the information, the operation lasted 27 hoursand it took 100 members of the medical profession to achieve it. Everything went as planned, and the twins are currently recovering.
This success achieved through the use of virtual reality could be the starting point for a wide use of this technology in surgery. As Jeelani explains, what they achieved can and should be replicated for other very rare conditions.
SOURCE: Futuristic
