New 3D endoscope at UMDNJ-The University Hospital can treat complex neurosurgical diseases

Sep 20 2012

Ana Cores, a 54-year old Hackensack resident, worried about how a sudden loss of peripheral vision would impact the quality of her life. After undergoing MRIs, eye exams and many diagnostic tests, Cores opted to visit UMDNJ-The University Hospital where Dr. James K. Liu, a skull base neurosurgeon, and Dr. Jean Anderson Eloy, an otolaryngologist, used a new three-dimensional endoscope to remove a brain tumor through her nose that was pressing on her optic nerve and causing her to go blind.

The operating room (OR) at UMDNJ-The University Hospital is the first location in the state of New Jersey where both the TrueVision® 3D Surgical Visualization System and the Visionsense Vsii 3D Endoscope System have been installed. This unique integrated 3D Neurosurgical Operative Suite is the first of its kind to use both state-of-the-art 3D microscopic and endoscopic systems to treat complex neurosurgical diseases. Traditionally, during a neurosurgical procedure, only one or two surgeons observed the surgical field through the microscope in three-dimensions. Now, neurosurgical residents and other members of the operating room staff wear 3D glasses to view the surgical field on high-definition monitors in real time.

According to Charles J. Prestigiacomo, MD, FACS, chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery at New Jersey Medical School (NJMS), "This 3D technology is a valuable system for surgeons at The Neurological Institute of New Jersey, who are also faculty members at New Jersey Medical School. Improving the surgeon's depth of perception helps increase the level of precision. When it comes to training up-and-coming residents in neurological surgery, having the capability to demonstrate the depth of field when approaching complex surgeries and videotaping the procedure certainly has significant educational benefits."

The TrueVision® 3D Surgical Visualization System is a real-time, stereoscopic, three dimensional high-definition visualization system that attaches to microscopes to display the surgical field of view on 3D flat panel (1080p) digital display monitors in the operating room. The advanced technology is used for microsurgery and to stream live video of the surgical field, making it an unparalleled teaching tool. The Visionsense Vsii 3D Endoscope allows the surgeon to perform 3D removal of skull-base tumors through the nose.

James K. Liu, M.D., a noted neurosurgeon and director of the Center for Skull Base and Pituitary Surgery at the Neurological Institute of New Jersey, is renowned for his treatment of complex brain tumors and skull base lesions. In addition to serving as one of Cores' doctors, he is an active researcher, and an extensively published author of journal articles and textbook chapters. Liu, who has lectured throughout North America and has taught numerous hands-on courses in skull-base surgery, said, "TrueVision's 3D high-definition technology provides me with an enhanced view of the surgical field that allows residents and operating room staff to see what I see, enabling them to anticipate my needs during a surgical procedure. This software and technology allow me to integrate the data collected before surgery into the operation. Our goal is to use the data to improve our performance during surgery and, ultimately, deliver better patient outcomes."

Patients like Cores, who was diagnosed with a craniopharyngioma, are the beneficiaries. Every six months, during medical appointments, doctors monitor her progress. Since her tumor was removed, she has made a quick recovery with preserved vision and an ability to enjoy reading, going to the movies and cooking.