Saint Malo, October 19, 2023
We went to meet Orso Chetochine, the director of Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque, an association that enables children with heart defects to undergo surgery in France or Switzerland when they cannot receive treatment in their own countries due to technical or financial limitations.
In a world constantly evolving in terms of technology, Mixed Reality (Augmented Reality) is emerging as a valuable tool for the healthcare of children. In collaboration with Visible Patient, the first laboratory for analyzing medical images that models organs in 3D from CT scans or MRIs, Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque provides a better understanding of complex heart pathologies. The visualization of organs in three dimensions through the Microsoft HoloLens 2 headset and the Synergiz Harbor visualization software allows medical teams to assess the feasibility of surgery before the child’s arrival in France, making informed decisions.
The 3D modeling of children’s hearts is particularly valuable for severe conditions like VDDI (Double Outlet Right Ventricle) since it provides, with a simple examination like a cardiac CT scan, now possible in almost all countries, the same information as a more delicate and invasive angiography, which is especially unfeasible in the children’s home countries.
However, despite the significant advances enabled by 3D modeling, the challenge remains substantial. The presentation of information is still a major and complex issue. Furthermore, a child’s heart is the size of a walnut, and navigating inside this organ demands cutting-edge tools. Mixed Reality allows for a more precise diagnosis but is an integral part of a comprehensive approach to saving lives. It alone cannot be the solution. This is why Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque’s mission is to participate in the development of e-health initiatives to enhance children’s healthcare. Digital technology offers numerous opportunities for education and training, including mobile learning, which can train doctors, even in remote areas, on congenital heart diseases in children.
The ultimate goal of this collaboration between Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque, Visible Patient, and Synergiz is to provide effective assistance to the most vulnerable children who lack access to advanced medical care. Complex heart defects should not be a barrier to their treatment, and the commitment of these organizations reflects the determination of an entire community to provide equal opportunities for every child. In the end, it’s about accelerating access to healthcare and promoting health equality. Mixed Reality technology and 3D modeling pave the way for a future where every child, regardless of their location, can receive the care they need. It’s one step closer to a world where technology and humanity work together to save lives.