Virtual reality three-dimensional echocardiographic imaging for planning surgical atrioventricular valve repair

Methodology, key results, and implications of virtual reality 3D echocardiographic imaging for planning surgical atrioventricular valve repair. Fifteen pediatric atrioventricular valve repair cases were assessed by 5 surgeons using standard 2D/3D ultrasound and again using a virtual reality platform. Virtual reality was shown to improve surgical confidence in understanding the relevant anatomy for repair, resulting in modifications to their proposed surgical approach. The implications of this are also outlined.