Surgical planning in XR: How Data Fusion uses Campfire to review 3D models of real cases

Data Fusion develops innovative technology solutions to improve the delivery of healthcare. The Data Fusion team started with a focus on 3D printing and has since expanded into virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), as well as data analysis.

CHALLENGE

Even when 3D patient data is collected during a CT scan or other common imaging exams, surgical teams often still rely heavily on 2D information during the planning process.?

It’s typical for scan results to either be printed and added to a physical patient file, or converted to a 2D format and attached to a digital one. That means case planning and discussions generally happen without being able to view the specific 3D context of that patient’s unique anatomy and pathology.

“There’s so much planning in the surgical field that is still done with paper and pen,” explains Paloma Dantas , Partner and Data Analyst at Data Fusion. “Our goal is to bring technology to healthcare. There are just too many areas within medicine that are greatly lacking technological solutions.”

Data Fusion began using 3D printing to create physical models of anatomical structures from real cases. Once the team started transforming patient data into 3D models, they realized those same models could be used to review real surgical cases with extended reality (XR/AR/VR). Yet they needed to find a solution to facilitate viewing, sharing, and interacting with the model.

“When I would make a model, it was challenging for me to bring it into the Meta Quest,” recalls Rafael Przydzimirski , Data Fusion’s Founder and CEO. “I have the healthcare knowledge, but I didn’t have the knowledge to build something inside a Meta Quest device.”

SOLUTION

The Data Fusion team evaluated several options before deciding to use Campfire.?

Since the team typically works with surgeons and healthcare teams who have never used a VR headset, it was crucial to find a software solution that was simple for new users to learn and use. “There are other apps that do some of the same things, but we chose Campfire because it’s much easier to work with,” Dantas says.

"Other apps do some of the same things, but we chose Campfire because it's much easier to work with."

“Campfire is the only app I use to do these representations, because it has all the functionality I need to bring models into the Quest,” adds Przydzimirski. “Campfire makes it possible to have a space where I can bring that model into the XR headset and easily discuss it with other people.”

On a desktop computer, the Data Fusion team can add 3D models to Campfire with a simple file upload. Then, during case planning, the surgical team uses Campfire’s in-room collaboration feature to discuss the model in AR with Quest headsets – allowing for better and more accurate visualization of patient anatomy and pathology.

Campfire’s point-to-point measurement tool is also an important feature for Data Fusion’s work.

“Measurements are imported with the model, and can be used by Campfire on the Meta Quest device,” Przydzimirski explains. “So I use the CT scan to make the 3D model, and Campfire brings in those real patient measurements, so the surgeon can use them to plan the procedure.”

RESULTS

With Campfire, Data Fusion has been able to improve surgical case planning by successfully bringing XR technology into the process.

“Campfire allows us to work more quickly and efficiently,” says Przydzimirski.

“When I take the CT scan of a real patient and transform it into a 3D model, we’re giving healthcare professionals a real representation of the case that can be used as a surgical planning tool,” Przydzimirski continues. “By bringing that model into virtual reality, it’s easier to see what problems are happening.”

Introducing Campfire to surgeons and other healthcare professionals has been a smooth process. As Dantas puts it: “The surgeons like this technology so much, so we are very happy with Campfire.”

"Campfire is very easy-to-use and intuitive."

“The platform is very easy-to-use and intuitive,” Przydzimirski adds. “We had doctors who were using VR for the first time, and they were able to pick it up quickly.”

Data Fusion continues to focus on improving patient care and hospital efficiency with innovative technology solutions. Using Campfire allows the team to equip healthcare professionals with better visualizations — enabling more precise surgical planning and execution, increasing the effectiveness of surgeries, and improving patient outcomes.

“In the future, VR and AR in healthcare will be normal,” Dantas points out. “We are doing this now because we want to be the leaders in it.”

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