StereoSurge: A Stereoscopic Solution for Pre-Surgical Planning and Medical Education

Understanding anatomical structures in three dimensions is essential for both medical education and surgical planning. Conventional methods, such as cadaveric dissection and traditional 3D imaging, often fail to offer the depth perception necessary for a complete spatial understanding of complex anatomy. StereoSurge, a Python-based stereoscopic visualization software developed using VTK and PyQt5, addresses this gap by providing an immersive 3D experience for CT and MRI scan visualization. Built on the Visualization Toolkit (VTK), StereoSurge enables simultaneous manipulation of multiple anatomical structures through customizable thresholds and cutting planes, alongside stereoscopic projection for enhanced depth perception. The tool has demonstrated particular utility in cardiac visualization, enabling virtual dissection of heart structures and detailed examination of brain anatomy. Preliminary testing conducted at two government medical institutions, with feedback from ten senior medical professionals and research scientists, indicates that StereoSurge significantly enhances both the learning and diagnostic processes, particularly in understanding complex cardiovascular and neurological structures. The software’s interactive visualization capabilities and depth-enhanced display show promising potential for improving both medical education and pre-surgical planning workflows.