Published: November 11, 2025
When Norton Children’s Neuroscience Institute , affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, first introduced Surgical Theater technology, it revolutionized how neurosurgeons approach complex brain procedures. Now, this same leading-edge, 3D visualization technology is making waves in cardiac care, opening new possibilities for treating the most challenging congenital heart conditions.
Norton Children’s Hospital became the first hospital in the region to implement Surgical Theater’s revolutionary virtual reality system several years ago. The technology leverages AI to combine and transform traditional 2D scans from CT, MRI, fMRI and PET imaging into an interactive, 360-degree, 3D color picture that surgeons can explore using virtual reality headsets.
For neurosurgeons, the impact has been transformative. With Surgical Theater’s eXperiential Reality®, the surgical team can simulate and practice a procedure before ever stepping into the operating room.
Building on the success in neurosurgery, Norton Children’s recently began exploring whether Surgical Theater could enhance cardiac procedures. The question was simple: If this technology could revolutionize brain surgery, could it do the same for complex hearts?
The answer has been a resounding yes.
Just two months ago, the team with Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, began a pilot program, completing four patient cases that have already demonstrated the technology’s transformative potential. Bahaaldin Alsoufi, M.D., director, pediatric cardiac surgery, Norton Children’s Heart Institute, and division chief, pediatric cardiac surgery, UofL School of Medicine, and the interventional cardiology team have found the 3D imaging invaluable for both surgical planning and catheterization procedures.
The impact on pediatric cardiac care has been immediate and profound. Advanced 3D imaging is revolutionizing how surgeons evaluate biventricular (BiV) repair options for the most complex congenital heart issues — conditions that were previously considered “nonrepairable.”
In the past, many of these patients were directed toward single-ventricle palliation, a pathway reserved for those with small, underdeveloped ventricles. Now, with Surgical Theater’s detailed anatomical visualization, surgeons can:
This distinction is critical, because attempting BiV repair on inappropriate candidates can carry major risks, while committing viable candidates to single-ventricle palliation exposes them to an inferior long-term outcome.
The technology already has shown remarkable results in complex cases, including:
Two patients have already experienced positive outcomes directly attributed to insights gained through Surgical Theater visualization, demonstrating the technology’s immediate clinical value.
Norton Children’s approach to cardiac Surgical Theater implementation reflects the same methodical excellence that made its neuroscience program a leader in the technology. Currently used in approximately four cardiac cases so far, the technology is being strategically deployed for the most complex scenarios where conventional imaging falls short.
Norton Children’s system has agreed to support critical cases before the official rollout. This flexibility ensures that no patient who could benefit from advanced visualization will have to wait for administrative processes.
It’s important to note that Surgical Theater isn’t necessary for every patient. For the majority of less complex cardiac cases, conventional imaging tools such as echocardiography and CT scanning remain perfectly adequate for surgical planning. The technology’s true value lies in tackling the cases that push the boundaries of what’s surgically possible.
Similarly, in neuroscience, while the technology excels in complex tumor cases and epilepsy procedures, routine operations continue to be successfully planned using traditional imaging methods.
Norton Children’s dual success with Surgical Theater in both neuroscience and cardiac care positions the not-for-profit health system at the forefront of medical innovation. The technology represents more than just better imaging — it embodies a philosophy of precision medicine that could extend to other specialties.
Future developments may include:
Norton Children’s journey with Surgical Theater technology — from becoming a regional pioneer in neuroscience to groundbreaking cardiac applications — demonstrates how innovation can transform patient care. By implementing advanced technology where it provides the greatest benefit, the health system continues to set new standards for precision medicine.
The success of this technology across two distinct specialties suggests this is only the beginning of what’s possible when cutting-edge visualization meets surgical expertise. As Norton Children’s continues to push boundaries, patients with the most complex conditions can look forward to increasingly precise and personalized treatments, and better outcomes.
For families facing complex cardiac or neurological conditions, Norton Children’s commitment to innovation means access to some of the most advanced surgical planning tools available anywhere in the country. It’s not just about having the latest technology — it’s about using it to give every patient the best possible chance for a healthy future.