LSU Health Shreveport has unveiled significant new enhancements to its Anatomical Sciences Wing, marking a major leap forward in how anatomy is taught to future physicians and health professionals in Louisiana and beyond.
The upgrades include a new Virtual Reality (VR) Anatomy Lab featuring 25 immersive VR workstations, representing an investment greater than $300,000. This newly established facility is directly adjacent to a $3 million multi-year renovation of the Gross Anatomy Laboratory. Together, the spaces create a highly integrated, modern learning environment that blends traditional dissection with cutting-edge virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technologies.
“These spaces work together in a truly synergistic way,” said Kevin J. McCarthy, PhD, Professor of Cellular Biology and Anatomy at LSU Health Shreveport. “What we now have is a revitalized approach to how we teach human anatomy, that combines the classic principles of anatomy education with some of the most advanced instructional tools available today.”
At the center of the new VR space are 25 Virtual Reality Anatomy Workstations, each powered by Dell Pro Max Tower T2 desktop computers equipped with 32GB RAM and NVIDIA RTX™ video processors. The computers are connected to Meta Quest 3 headsets that run VH Dissector XR software from Touch of Life Technologies (Toltech). The VH Dissector XR software allows students to explore and “dissect” virtual cadavers in augmented reality.
“With the headset on, students can see a cadaver in full 3D and carefully dissect it layer by layer. Muscles, nerves, vessels, organs, everything,” McCarthy explained. “They can rotate the body instantly, examine cross-sections and visualize anatomy with ease in ways that simply aren’t possible in a traditional lab alone.” Moreover, the software can simultaneously display cross-sectional anatomy in the same field of view.
Unlike physical dissection, the virtual environment allows students to view the entire body simultaneously without needing to physically reposition it. This reinforces spatial understanding and complex anatomical relationships. Students also have access to a 2D version of the VH Dissector software on their own laptops, extending learning beyond the lab.
“Beyond the novelty, the educational potential of this technology is remarkable,” said Claude LaHaye, a second-year medical student. “As a visual learner, I can honestly say this has the potential to be one of the greatest contributions to anatomy education that I have ever encountered.”
“There is no substitute for hands-on cadaveric dissection,” said McCarthy. “But this gives students an extremely powerful way to reinforce what they learn, especially between lab sessions. It helps cement their understanding of the human body.”
The VR facility works in tandem with the newly renovated Gross Anatomy Lab, which has undergone a $3 million transformation over the past few years. The lab now has 34 workstations that feature:
- Ergonomic, ADA compliant adjustable tables with raise, lower and tilt capabilities
- Integrated computers and monitors at each station
- A closed-circuit HVAC system, designed to reduce formaldehyde exposure
- Connectivity allowing instructors to broadcast demonstrations to every workstation, simultaneously
- Enhanced lighting
The lab is large enough to accommodate more than 150 students at one time, supporting students from the Schools of Medicine, Graduate Studies, as well as students from the School of Health Sciences, whose students are from the disciplines of Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant and Occupational Therapy.
“This laboratory renovation is also major step forward in how we deliver anatomy education,” McCarthy said. “Since the workstations are interconnected with the Professor’s workstation, we can ensure that every student receives the same instruction at the same time, with the ability to immediately apply it at their own workstation.”
With 25 dedicated VR anatomy workstations, he believes that LSU Health Shreveport now operates one of the largest virtual anatomy facilities of its kind in Louisiana. Future plans include expanding use of the facility for resident and fellow training. Students began using the new VR lab in early January, marking a new chapter for anatomy education at LSU Health Shreveport.
“You wouldn’t want a mechanic who’s never touched a car working on your vehicle,” McCarthy said. “In the same way, you wouldn’t want a physician who doesn’t deeply understand anatomy, caring for patients. This facility helps ensure our students are exceptionally prepared.”