3D mixed-reality visualization of medical imaging data as a supporting tool for innovative, minimally invasive surgery for gastrointestinal tumors and systemic treatment as a new path in personalized treatment of advanced cancer diseases

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of a combination of 3D mixed-reality visualization of medical images using CarnaLife Holo (MedApp, Poland) system as a supporting tool for innovative, minimally invasive surgery/irreversible electroporation—IRA, Nano-Knife), microwave ablation (MWA)/for advanced gastrointestinal tumors. Eight liver and pancreatic tumor treatments were performed. In all of the patients undergoing laparoscopy or open surgery volume and margin were estimated by preoperative visualization. In all patients, neoplastic lesions were considered unresectable by standard methods. METHODS: Preoperative CT or MRI were transformed into holograms and displayed thanks to the HoloLens 2. During operation, the surgeon’s field of view was augmented with a 3D model of the patient’s relevant structures. RESULTS: The intraoperative hologram contributed to better presentation of tumor size and locations, more precise setting of needles used to irreversible electroporation and for determining ablation line in case of liver metastases. Surgeons could easily compare the real patient's anatomy to holographic visualization just before the operations. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of 3D mixed-reality visualization using CarnaLife Holo with IRA, MWA and next systemic treatment (chemotherapy) might be a new way in personalized treatment of advanced cancers.