Citing a 2019 RSNA article, he emphasized the need for radiologists and other clinicians to understand how to convert imaging data into interactive 3D models. For Dr. Reyna, the future of radiology is not just about interpretation—it’s about enabling others to understand and act on complex data.
Case 1: Massive Abdominal Tumor and Preoperative Planning
A 69-year-old male with ischemic heart disease and diabetes presented with a large abdominal mass unresponsive to medical therapy. CT imaging revealed a cystic tumor exceeding 4 liters in volume, compressing surrounding organs.
Dr. Reyna collaborated with the surgical oncologist to map the tumor’s origin and blood supply using angiographic CT and 3D reconstructions. VR visualization allowed the surgeon to fully grasp the spatial complexity, aiding in preoperative drainage and surgical strategy. Intraoperative findings confirmed the utility of the immersive planning approach.
Dr. Favio Reyna, Bs, IB, BSc, MD is a radiologist and Chief of the Radiology Department at DiagnostiX in Guatemala. He also serves as Secretary of the Faculty of Medicine at Universidad Francisco Marroquín (UFM), where he leads efforts in integrating innovative technologies into medical education and clinical practice. With a multidisciplinary academic background, Dr. Reyna is committed to advancing the role of radiology in diagnostics, interdisciplinary collaboration, and surgical planning.
Case 2: Missed Acetabular Fracture and AR Surgical Simulation
A 33-year-old trauma patient presented with hip pain and limb shortening. A previously undiagnosed acetabular fracture had led to malposition of an implant, which was 5 cm out of alignment.
Dr. Reyna reconstructed the anatomy and simulated the corrective surgery using augmented reality. The trauma surgeon used this visualization to design a custom 3D-printed implant tailored to the patient’s anatomy—greatly improving preoperative confidence and surgical accuracy.
Case 3: Adrenal Mass and Anatomical Risk Mapping
In another case, a 28-year-old male with suspected Cushing’s syndrome underwent CT evaluation of a right adrenal mass. While the lesion suggested an adenoma, Dr. Reyna identified a rare vascular variant that posed risk for surgical intervention.
Using AI-based segmentation and VR visualization, he generated detailed 3D models highlighting the mass and its proximity to key vessels. This enabled the surgeon to plan the resection more safely, avoiding complications.
Expanding VR in Medical Education
Dr. Reyna also leads VR-based education at the Faculty of Medicine at UFM. Since 2018, he has implemented Medicalholodeck into anatomy teaching, allowing students to explore complex systems using Meta Quest headsets. His efforts have modernized anatomy education and prepared students for real-world clinical decision-making.
A Global Perspective from Guatemala
Closing his talk, Dr. Reyna extended an open invitation to visit Guatemala—“the best country with exploding volcanoes and beautiful landscapes.” But beyond the scenery, his presentation offered a powerful example of how immersive technologies can drive innovation in healthcare, even in low-resource settings.
From surgical planning to student learning, Dr. Reyna’s work shows that with the right tools and vision, medical imaging can become more accessible, more effective, and more impactful for clinicians and patients alike.
For more information, contact info@medicalholodeck.com March 2025
