Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a new system that uses artificial intelligence and virtual reality to create 3D views of brain scans. This system helps doctors and patients better understand brain lesions by allowing them to see the affected areas in an immersive 3D environment, instead of just flat 2D images. This innovative approach makes it easier to grasp the size, shape, and location of abnormalities in the brain; aiming to improve diagnosis and patient communication for neurological conditions.
Traditional MRI scans are typically viewed in 2D slices, which makes it difficult to fully understand the shape, size, and impact of brain lesions. Deep learning techniques have improved segmentation accuracy, but the resulting images still lack context for medical professionals and patients. Virtual reality (VR) can fill this gap by turning flat images into interactive 3D experiences.
This new technology takes standard MRI brain scans and makes them easier to understand by using artificial intelligence and virtual reality. First, a deep learning model is trained on almost a million MRI images to recognize patterns in medical images and identify abnormal areas in the brain such as tumors or injuries. Once those areas are identified, the system turns the 2D scan images into a 3D model of the brain. This model can be explored using a virtual reality headset, allowing doctors—or even patients—to look inside the brain and examine it from different angles. They can zoom in, move around the scan, and view slices of the brain in real time. This creates a much clearer picture of what’s happening inside the brain, which could lead to faster diagnoses, better treatment decisions, and improved patient understanding of their condition.
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Brendan Kelley
Lucas Plabst
Lena Plabst
Aly Hoeher
Aly.Hoeher@colostate.edu
970-491-7100