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The following is a summary of “Development of patient-specific 3D anatomical models in minimally invasive parathyroidectomy,” published in the December 2024 issue of Endocrinology by Haq et al.  

Surgery is the preferred treatment for individuals with primary hyperparathyroidism, and minimally invasive parathyroidectomy depends on accurate preoperative localization. Virtual 3-dimensional (3D) anatomical models can be created using patient-specific computed tomography (CT) scans and segmentation software.  

Researchers conducted a prospective study to assess the utility of patient-specific 3D models in minimally invasive parathyroidectomy.  

They developed virtual 3D models from 4-dimensional CT (4D-CT) scans of parathyroid tumors using segmentation software, 360-degree rotation feature was included in the models and a transparency mode to assist surgical planning. The HoloLens 2 augmented reality headset was used to locate parathyroid tumors in real-time during surgery. Workload was measured using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), and satisfaction regarding anatomical understanding was assessed (P≤0.001).  

The results showed that the mean workload for surgical planning decreased with the use of 3D models (39.45 vs. 27.45 points, P=0.002), with mental demand showing the greatest reduction (210.3 vs. 136.7 points). Satisfaction among individuals significantly improved after viewing the 3D models, especially regarding understanding anatomical location (P≤0.001).  

They concluded that patient-specific virtual 3D models improved surgical planning and increased individuals’ understanding of the anatomy, demonstrating potential benefits in minimally invasive parathyroidectomy.  

Source: frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2024.1514451/full