web-based teaching tools with wireless access for computer assisted neurosurgery and radiosurgery...

Web-based Teaching Tools with Web-based Teaching Tools with Wireless Access for Computer Wireless Access for Computer

Assisted Neurosurgery Assisted Neurosurgery and Radiosurgeryand Radiosurgery

Clara Raquel Epstein, MD, Lucia Zamorano, MD, Dr. med.,

Laura Hernandez, MD, Qinghang Li, MD, PhDWayne State University

Department of Neurological Surgery 4160 John R. Suite 930, Detroit, MI 48201

(313) [email protected]

Department of Neurological SurgeryWayne State University

Wireless Technology Applied to Wireless Technology Applied to NeurosurgeryNeurosurgery


Project GoalsProject Goals

Recent technological developments in Neuroimaging and Neurosurgical techniques include the use of Computer Assisted Surgical (CAS) procedures, radiation technology and robotic Neurosurgery for precise delivery of Neurosurgical interventions.



We previously demonstrated the practical application of a web-based system developed to integrate knowledge bases currently available and a library of teaching aids for Neurosurgical Fellows and Residents.



We would now like to demonstrate the application of wireless access to our Internet database, a new web-interface created to better organize the content of our resources, and our new physical and virtual work environment enhancing teaching, learning, and productivity, and facilitating user-friendly access.


DescriptionDescription

Through the use of wireless devices (PDAs, notebooks, etc) Attending Neurosurgeons, Neurosurgery Fellows, Residents, students, researchers and collaborators can access relevant data for clinical care and to facilitate research objectives.


Wireless DevicesWireless Devices


Expansive Database AccessExpansive Database Access

The wireless accessible database is an extensive repository for teaching tools, research and clinical databases, and collaborative projects. It provides an easily accessible means of communication for collaborators to access critical information for grants in progress and previously submitted.


Teaching ToolsTeaching Tools

Publications on relevant topics Access to a real-time calendar for the Neurosurgical and

Radiosurgical schedules Goals and Objectives for mastering learning Simulations (Video Clips and Pictures) for mastering

Technical Skills A Brain Atlas Simulated Tests enabling users to gauge progress

Access to this comprehensive database via the World Wide Web facilitates distance learning as well as collaboration with individuals nationally and internationally in ongoing research and grant proposals.


New CAS LabNew CAS Lab

Physical Space in the Lande BuildingRe-designed in 3D Simulated

ImagingOptimized to update and utilize

existing resourcesRelieve Overcrowding


Computer Assisted Lab at the Computer Assisted Lab at the Lande BuildingLande Building


Expansion of Virtual SpaceExpansion of Virtual Space

Creating five remote wireless access points enabling us to beta-test available and developing technology

Five remote locations integrating different hardware configurations (i.e.. PDA,PC,Laptop, Stryker, Neuroimaging Hardware)

Sites include:

– Surgical Suite/OR Lab

– Harper Professional Office Building

– Lande Building CAS Lab

– Remote Physician Clinic (UNSA in Southfield)

– Remote wireless access points in Fellow and Physician homes Multiple sites for docking stations also available


Expansion of Virtual SpaceExpansion of Virtual Space

Wireless access points and the docking stations facilitate syncing hardware in real-time with crucial data

Allows access to our data in various practical environments facilitating clinical and academic pursuits

Content of our site is DYNAMIC – Appropriate Authorization required for

updating– Enhanced security


Overview of Integrated Overview of Integrated ResourcesResources


Power of TechnologyPower of Technology

Recognize and Utilize the Computer as a Research Tool

Our Interface and Database facilitate International collaborative research projects by permitting collaborative grant efforts

Provides access to previously completed and in progress grants


Power of Technology (cont.)Power of Technology (cont.)

Researchers collaborate and upload contributions to our central repository

Allow contributions to be made as individual’s schedules permit

Facilitates meeting vital deadlines New MS Access™ Databases (i.e. Gamma

Knife Surgery and Brachytherapy) allow for ease of update and effortless access for future studies and publications


Team/ResourcesTeam/Resources

Collaborative Contributions– Faculty – Residents– Fellows– Research Assistants– Students– Engineers– Administrative Assistants


Team/ResourcesTeam/Resources

– People– Equipment (Hardware and Software)– Locations– Support – Development – Knowledge Bases


PDA SoftwarePDA Software

One of the goals of this project is for the user to see the PDA

and laptop as another tool of public health;

much like a calculator or textbook.


PDA SoftwarePDA Software


Radiosurgical PlanningRadiosurgical Planning

With the wireless network and the availability of wireless planning it is anticipated that Neurosurgical planning for operative and Radiosurgical procedures can take place remotely.

It is also anticipated that it will be possible to update the information readily for practical application.

Wireless access to planning for Radiosurgical cases (both Gamma Knife Surgery and Brachytherapy) facilitates collaborating consultants to conveniently and expeditiously contribute to the final Radiosurgical procedure.


Radiosurgical PlanningRadiosurgical Planning

With the integration of technology, the Fellows and Residents will be able to collaborate with other experts (physicists, engineers, and technicians) in the pre-planning phase.

This will facilitate acquiring the necessary experience and expertise required.

The collaborative consultants (i.e. physicists, radiation-oncologists, neurosurgeons) can contribute without physically having to be present until implementation.

With remote access, the Attending Neurosurgeon can approve the final collaborative Radiosurgical plan.


Software In UseSoftware In Use

Wireless access (i.e. via Bluefish™) allows for multiple hardware and software platforms to be integrated.

PDA, laptop and PC access with various software interfaces provide universal communication.



The following functions and software are currently in use: – Calendar function (via Outlook™)– Email (via Outlook™)– Databases (via MS Excel™)– Publications and teaching material (via MS WORD™)– Quick Office™– Documents to Go™– Slideshow to Go™– Word to Go™– PhotoSuite™– MultiMail™



Clinical Software Applications include:– PocketNeurosurgeon™– ePocrates™– Tarascan™– ZapICD™– ABG Decoder™


TechnologyTechnology

The limitations that have been encountered are based on the availability of current technology.

We envision improved future applications with the evolution of available hardware and software.



Currently the processing speed limits our ability to pass large amounts of data needed to meet our requirements (i.e. Neuroimaging).

There is also a need for the development of “intelligent updating”, which would enhance real-time updating without the need to re-communicate unchanged information.



There is a need for a better wireless network (i.e. Gateway for world wide access), which enables security for sensitive data, and a faster wireless network, which would enhance practical application of our technology.

Progress is needed in the areas of data compression capabilities and processor development, enabling incorporating various technologies to simultaneously run applications and interfaces from a single source of origin (i.e. UMS, single platform).


Our FutureOur Future

With the advancement of technology in these areas, the application of our tools can be even more practical and user-friendly


Current StatusCurrent Status

We have created a new physical and virtual teaching and learning environment, which further enhances available resources and facilitates the development of future technology.

This entity also facilitates collaboration on projects from many individuals with varying expertise and remote locations, in an organized virtual environment that is not limited by space or time.


More InformationMore Information

Submit Questions To: Clara Raquel Epstein, MD [email protected]

Lucia Zamorano, MD, Dr. med. [email protected]

Laura Hernandez, MD [email protected]

Qinghang Li, MD, PhD [email protected]

Wayne State University

Department of Neurological Surgery

4160 John R. Suite 930, Detroit, MI 48201

(313) 966-0342

web-based teaching tools with wireless access for computer assisted neurosurgery and radiosurgery...

Documents

neurosurgery slide

available slide

overcrowding slide

application of wireless

lande building slide

progress access

wireless technology

userfriendly access