LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- In brain surgery, one centimeter could be the difference between life and death.
Louisville doctors are using virtual reality to make risky surgeries safer. The ground-breaking technology allows surgeons to use virtual reality to practice on their patients before they're on the operating table.
The new technology changed the life of 2-year-old girl Lydia McCloskey. She was born premature with severe brain damage that caused seizures.
"Lydia is a rock star, she has been from the day she entered this world," Sarah McCloskey said.
Dr. Ian Mutchnick, recommended surgery that would disconnect the side of her brain that caused the seizures.
"Very, very scary," Sarah said.
2-year-old Lydia McCloskey.
The risky operation could stop seizures, but meant Lydia would lose control of the left side of her body.
"One centimeter could be the difference between consciousness and never waking up," Mutchnick said.
Typically surgeons only have 2D images of their patients, which makes it incredibly difficult to get the full picture until operation day.
"This is where epilepsy surgery is at most centers, anatomically very imprecise," Mutchnick said.
But virtual reality technology at Norton Children's Hospital is changing that.
"It's concrete and very precise," Mutchnick said.
The technology is called surgical theatre. It allows doctors to combine a bunch of 2D scans into one 3D image of their patients brain. It used almost entirely on patients with epilepsy.
Doctors put on virtual reality goggles and use hand tools to practice surgery on their patients brain.
"I'd be almost afraid to keep going but I've practiced so many times I know it's safe," Mutchnick said.
The technology not only helps doctors but gives patients and their families peace of mind.
"I actually got to see her brain and what they were going to do to her brain," Sarah said.
Lydia's been seizure free since the operation.
"It really did make a difference for Lydia because she's thriving, thriving now," Sarah said.
She works every day to gain more control of the left side of her body.
Related Stories:
- Wellness on Wheels: Norton Healthcare brings services to Louisville's neighborhoods
- Norton West Louisville Hospital set to open in late 2024
- Louisville family donating $25K gift after caring for 4-year-old African boy who got lifesaving treatment
- Brain stimulation surgery in Louisville helps patients with movement disorders like Parkinson's
Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
