3-D Animation and Virtual Reality Simulation

The Department of Anesthesiology has a division dedicated to the creation of teaching videos using 3-D animation and virtual reality simulation. Our physicians, artists and animators use raw CT and MRI scans to construct 3-D virtual reality simulations of all parts of the body. When CT or MRI scans are not available, our animators create the virtual reality simulations denovo, using programs such as MAYA and StudioMax. To date we have finished simulations of the skeleton and brachial plexus. We are in the process of simulating the lung and internal airway from the teeth to the segmental bronchi. In the future, we also plan to simulate the lumbar and sacral plexi.

These simulations are incorporated into videos which teach procedures, such as nerve blocks, central venous canulation and bronchoscopy. Each simulation and video takes as much as 1,000 hours to complete. We have won two international awards ( American Society of Anesthesiogists and New York State Society of Anesthesiologists Post Graduate Assembly) for this work as well as financial support from the Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research and the Stortz Corporation.

Dr. Paul Bigeleisen won four international awards from the American Society of Anesthesiologists (2003), International Anesthesia Research Society (2004), New York Post Graduate Assembly (2004) and the National Science Foundation (2004). Watch his award winning movie “The Brachial Plexus" here

The 5:42 minute video with sound will play using Microsoft's Windows Media Player. If you need the player, it can be downloaded here. The player has an option for viewing the picture in full screen.

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