Abstract
Background: This study employs 3D stereoscopic virtual reality technology to demonstrate the
surgical results of microvascular decompression (MVD) for trigeminal neuralgia.
Patients/Material and Methods: 3D models were rendered by fusing CTA and MRI fast imaging employing steady state
acquisition (FIESTA) modalities of both pre- and post-operative scans. The brainstem,
trigeminal nerve root and relevant vasculature were extracted, superimposed, and co-registered
to bony and ventricular anatomy.
Results: 3 clinically successful MVD cases were evaluated for superior cerebellar artery (SCA)
vessel displacement. Qualitative parameters included translational and rotational
shift of the SCA, and distance decompressed from the trigeminal nerve root entry zone.
Parameters were met in each case, with demonstration of vessel displacement and decompression
of the nerve root.
Conclusion: The 3D virtual-reality environment with stereoscopic visualization offers a method
through which to visualize the results of MVD, and a potential reference point to
evaluate cases of treatment failure or relapse.
Key words
trigeminal neuralgia - microvascular decompression - CTA - MRI FIESTA - 3D stereoscopic
model
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Correspondence
C. D. GandhiMD
UMDNJ-New Jersey
Medical School
Department of Neurological
Surgery
90 Bergen St., Suite 8100
Newark, NJ 07101
Phone: +1/973/972 9626
Fax: +1/973/972 2333
Email: gandhich@umdnj.edu