Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the accuracy of a 3D simulation generated by inclusion of various intensity-selected portions of spiral CT data into a proprietary software program (PreviewTM, Medical Media Systems, MMS) in preoperative and postoperative assessment of the anatomical features of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The accuracy of this software was measured against two other modalities—intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and axial CT scan—using the IVUS as the reference. Eighty-five patients were included; 43 underwent AAA endovascular exclusion with TalentTM devices, and 42 with AneurxTM devices. Measurement of proximal neck diameter was performed using IVUS, Preview software, and axial CT scan with manual calipers. Measurement of the AAA maximum diameter was performed using Preview software and axial CT scan; 253 measurements in the 85 patients were included. These measurements were compared by means of both linear regression and Bland-Altman agreement analysis. Our results showed that the 95% confidence interval between the Preview software and mean IVUS measurement of proximal AAA neck (3.1 and 2.5) is narrow enough for the software to be used in sizing AAA. This would be especially important for having the properly sized devices available preoperatively. The Preview software tended to be more accurate than CT scans although it was not statistically significant.

Abstract: Virtual reality in surgery and, more specifically, in surgical training, faces a number of challenges in the future. These challenges are building realistic models of the human body, creating interface tools to view, hear, touch, feel, and manipulate these human body models, and integrating virtual reality systems into medical education and treatment. A final system would encompass simulators specifically for surgery, performance machines, telemedicine, and telesurgery. Each of these areas will need significant improvement for virtual reality to impact medicine successfully in the next century. This article gives an overview of, and the challenges faced by, current systems in the fast-changing field of virtual reality technology, and provides a set of specific milestones for a truly realistic virtual human body.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to analyze a single-center experience in which descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) were treated with a new self-expanding endovascular prosthesis (Medtronic AVE). Methods: Twenty-six patients (13 men, 13 women) with American Society of Anesthesiology grades II to IV and ages ranging from 53 to 92 years (average, 74 years) consented as part of a Phase I Food and Drug Administration–approved trial. Treated lesions included TAAs that were 5 to 10 cm in diameter, 12 diffuse dilations or fusiform aneurysms, and four saccular aneurysms. There were also nine chronic dissections (2 aneurysmal dilations and 7 symptomatic acute recurrent dissections). Three patients (2 with diffuse/fusiform and 1 with dissection) presented with hemothorax, contrast extravasation, or both.