Futuristic 3D Holography May Revolutionize Cardiac Procedures

San Francisco, CA—Successful first-in-human pilot study. 

In a small pilot study presented at TCT 2013, investigators showed that an innovative, live 3D holographic visualization and interaction technology can effectively guide minimally invasive structural cardiac procedures, enhance physician performance and improve care.  

 

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The study tested the efficacy of using RealView technology (Royal Philips and RealView Imaging) in eight patients (three male; five female) with a median age of 16 years. Five of the cases were transcatheter device closure of atrial septal defect/patent foramen ovale, two were 3D rotational angiography coronary evaluation and one was a 3D rotational angiography evaluation of a Glenn shunt. In addition to viewing the patient’s heart on a 2D screen, the interventional team members were able to view detailed 3D holographic images of the heart “floating in free space” in real-time during a minimally invasive procedure without the use of special eyewear, explained Elchanan Bruckheimer, MD, from Schneider Children’s Medical Center in Israel. The projected 3D images were then able to be manipulated when the holographic images were touched (see Figure). 

“You have a heart floating in front of you and you are able to put your finger on the image and point — you are able to easily communicate with your collaborators. Instead of looking at a single angle, we can look at an infinite number of angles, making it easier,” added Einat Birk, MD, from the same center. 

Live X-ray and live 3D ultrasound imaging are typically used simultaneously to guide minimally invasive structural cardiac procedures, with the ultrasound images providing detailed insights into the soft-tissue anatomy and the images from the X-ray providing a visual of the catheters and cardiac implants. The results from this study have initiated further research exploring the clinical value of combining live 3D imaging and medical holography, both in interventional cardiology and in other clinical areas.

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“What the RealView system does, is it takes the data through the digital light system, and makes points of light in the air so that you receive this beautiful smooth image of a heart beating in front of you,” Bruckheimer said. “Your whole interaction then becomes intuitive. The ability to reach into the image and apply markings on the soft-tissue anatomy in the X-ray and 3D ultrasound images would be extremely useful for guidance of these complex procedures. Communication is better and there is no doubt that if you have better communication, you have a better understanding as a physician and therefore perform better and give better patient care. Hopefully we will have this in our labs very soon.” 


Disclosures:

Bruckheimer reported that he is the medical director of RealView Imaging. 

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