Aneurysm Procedure Advanced with Presurgery Rehearsal

An innovative system provides neurosurgeons the opportunity to rehearse complicated cerebral aneurysm cases before entering the operating room, saving critical seconds on the time-sensitive procedure.

The Surgical Rehearsal Platform (SRP) uses standard scanned images from any patient to generate three-dimensional (3D) patient specific and accurate models showing the interaction between life-like tissue and surgical instruments. The simulated tissue responds to actions taken by the surgeon, enabling accurate presurgery planning and rehearsal. The unique software utilizes flight simulator technology to permit the remote connection of multiple SRPs; participants anywhere in the world can simultaneously work together and practice the same case with real-time feedback, and collaborate on the planning of a specific surgery case.


The SRP platform is being evaluated at University Hospitals Case Medical Center (UHCMC; Cleveland, OH, USA) to examine the efficacy of the system in cerebral aneurysm cases, and was recently used in the treatment of a ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm. While the patient was being prepared for surgery, neurosurgeons were able to upload the patient’s computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans onto the SRP and determine how best to clip the aneurysm before stepping into the operating room. The SRP platform is a product of Surgical Theater (Cleveland, OH, USA), and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“The Surgical Rehearsal Platform allowed me to save crucial time in the OR. The “mental picture” and “muscle memory” gained from the brief SRP rehearsal maximized the use of presurgery information and allowed me to analyze and ‘dry run’ the optimal treatment beforehand, which led to a safe and effective clip placement without need for further adjustment, while minimizing the temporary occlusion time,” said Warren Selman, MD, of UHCMC and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (Cleveland, OH, USA), and co-originator of the SRP’s development.

Related Links:
University Hospitals Case Medical Center
Surgical Theater