3D modeling for augmented reality systems in novel vascular models

Endovascular surgery is a continually developing branch of vascular surgery where the therapeutic intervention is performed from within the lumen of the vessel, usually under X-ray guidance. When the major artery of the body (aorta) becomes swollen (aneurysm), there is a danger of rupture, leading to catastrophic blood loss and death. An essential part of the procedure is preoperative planning, taking accurate measurements of both the diameter and the length of the area to be excluded. There is no freely available, reliable, realistic simulator on which either the trainee can practice index cases or where trained surgeons can simulate more complex cases before they are performed on the patient. VR is developing and becoming more and more accessible. To be able to make the most of these tools we will explore the feasibility of using them for creating a 3D model of the aorta on which training can be carried out.