2. Plato’s CAVE: A Multidimensional, Image-Guided Radiation Therapy Cross Reality Platform with Advanced Surgical Planning, Simulation, and Visualization Techniques Using (Native) DICOM Patient Image Studies

Plato’s CAVE™ (Computer Augmented Virtual Environment) is a presurgical planning, multidimensional “situation clinical platform” designed, developed, and introduced to clinical practice by the Department of Radiation Oncology at Houston Methodist Hospital, located in Houston’s Texas Medical Center. At approximately 500 square feet, Plato’s CAVE was specifically designed to permit a team of physicians to review all available diagnostic images of the patient. The initial clinical focus was on interventions within the domain of surgical oncology/radiation oncology including radiation therapy, reconstructive surgery, and organ transplantation. This advanced clinical visualization process, supported by a novel and creative assemblage of FDA-approved, commercially available diagnostic imaging components, is available for all relevant patient care services within The Methodist Hospital System.