[LUM#4] Virtual virtuosity

[LUM Magazine] - Published on December 20, 2016 in Educational Innovation, Science-Society

A new horizon is opening up for training tomorrow's surgeons. This very real revolution is called virtual reality.

The movements are precise, the organization sharp, the timing measured. Beneath their masks, the actors in this meticulous dance move to the tempo set by the man in white holding the scalpel. It is a choreography that brooks no imprecision. Welcome to the operating room.

Every year, thousands of patients are treated by expert surgeons. Some of them come from far away. "French surgeons are renowned throughout the world, and many leading foreign specialists come to France for training," explains Maxime Ros. "This unique expertise must be effectively passed on to ensure the next generation of surgeons and to continuously improve the skills of doctors ," emphasizes the Montpellier-based neurosurgeon.

In the shoes of the surgeon

To perfect the learning and practice of this precision profession, it is essential to observe multiple operations. Standing next to the surgeon at work, students and colleagues study the movements of the conductor. This is a necessary part of training, but it has its limitations. One of these is the observer's position: they often only see the movements from the side or from a distance so as not to disturb the surgeon. "The ideal situation would be to be at the heart of the operation and be able to observe everything,"says Maxime Ros. The perfect solution? Seeing through the surgeon's eyes. A dream come true... in virtual reality.

Maxime Ros's idea is as simple as it is revolutionary. Two cameras are attached directly to the surgeon's head during the operation. The images captured are used to create a 3D film that can then be viewed on a smartphone connected to a virtual reality headset. Open your eyes and immerse yourself in an immersive experience. The hands holding the scalpel feel as if they were your own. The team working around the patient feels as if you were directing them. Need information about the patient lying asleep on the table? The headset also provides these resources. Turn your head and access all the information you need to perform the operation: scans, MRIs, patient data.

An extraordinary educational experience made possible by the Surgevry app, co-developed by Maxime Ros and his associates. "It's an ideal tool for improving the transmission of highly technical skills, because even if you don't actually perform the action, your brain records the operation ," explains Maxime Ros.

3D technology in education

To develop this tool, Maxime Ros and his partner, Jean-Vincent Trivès, founded Revinax, which won the award for best start-up at the 2016 Laval Virtual trade show, a benchmark in the field."A great recognition from specialists in the sector,"says Christophe Bonnel. The emergency doctor joined the Revinax adventure after meeting Maxime Ros during a medical education training course. This dual expertise gives these highly entrepreneurial doctors double legitimacy. "We are familiar with the challenges of this profession and the importance of training, "explains Maxime Ros. "To be a good surgeon, you have to constantly train and see as many operations as possible performed by different professionals, because each one has specific expertise," adds Christophe Bonnel.

Just like journeymen who travel around France to learn from the best craftsmen, Surgevry allows everyone to train with the best surgeons. Thanks to immersive 3D technology, future surgeons can tour France—and even the world—from the operating room without leaving their classroom... or their hospital. "Medical students aren't the only ones who can benefit, "says Maxime Ros. "Surgeons working in remote areas, for example, will also be able to continue their training without leaving their patients." And the idea goes even further... "UNESCO has shown interest in this technology for training doctors in developing countries," says Maxime Ros. "Everyone has a smartphone, so it's easier to equip doctors with 3D headsets than to travel to another city or country for training," adds Christophe Bonnel.

Improving the quality of care

The project's next goal is to produce as many films as possible and create a "surgical YouTube" channel. This 3D video library will allow everyone, from students to practitioners, to view a wide range of operations. "These films could also be adapted for all those involved in the operating room, such as nurses, who also have very specific expertise," suggests Maxime Ros.

Better trained caregivers mean better care for patients. "Lack of experience is the cause of certain medical errors. These are currently the third leading cause of death in France," explains Maxime Ros. "Training is a lever for improving the quality of care, and we are relying on it to reduce this risk,"emphasizes Christophe Bonnel.