A six-month-old puppy named Geddy has become the first canine in the United States to undergo brain surgery with the help of augmented reality (AR). According to a Tuesday statement sent to reporters, the surgery, which successfully removed a brain tumor earlier this year, has the potential to revolutionize how complex veterinary surgeries are performed.
As a young puppy in 2023, the Chihuahua-mix was rescued by law enforcement following a high-speed chase involving a stolen car and gunfire in Northern Mississippi. She was later adopted by a loving family and named Geddy.
Earlier this year, the puppy – now about six months old – began experiencing seizures and other signs of neurological distress. An MRI scan confirmed the source of the symptoms was a life-threatening brain tumor.
Geddy the puppy after surgery.
Given the complexity of the surgery needed to remove the tumor, Geddy’s case was referred to the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary neurosurgeon Dr. Wojciech Panek and neurology intern Dr. Tessa Arendt opted to proceed with her surgery with the aid of a new technology used in human surgeries that incorporated augmented reality.
Augmented reality (AR) involves superimposing digital images onto the real world. In Geddy’s case, the team used AR to overlay 3D images of her brain from the MRI directly onto her skull during surgery, allowing them to see exactly where the tumor was located and guide the surgical instruments with precision.
By using this AR guidance system, the surgeons were able to safely remove the tumor with minimal disruption to the delicate tissues surrounding it.
Geddy’s vet team in surgery.
“The surgery was a success, and Geddy has made an incredible recovery,” Dr. Panek said in a press release about the case. “Her seizures have stopped, and there are no signs of neurological problems. We’re continuing to monitor her progress, but so far, her recovery is exceeding our expectations.”
Geddy’s owners said in a statement that they are thankful to the team of veterinarians. “It’s amazing to see how far veterinary medicine has come,” said Geddy’s owner. “We’re so grateful that she is healthy again and that she’s part of this incredible medical milestone.”
Novarad, the makers of the AR technology used dubbed “VisAR,” took note of the puppy’s case. CEO Dr. Wendell Gibby said in a statement that the surgery is “a testament to the power of innovation.”
“The success of VisAR in Geddy’s brain surgery highlights the remarkable strides we are making to improve outcomes for both human and animal patients,” Gibby said.
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Christina Botteri is the Executive Editor at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow her on Twitter / X @christinakb.
