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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
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High-resolution, High-speed, Three-dimensional Video Imaging with Digital Fringe Projection Techniques
Published on: December 3, 2013
Facial acquisition by dynamic optical tracked laser imaging: a new approach
K Schwenzer-Zimmerer1, B-I Boerner, N F Schwenzer
1Hightech Research Centre of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Basel, Switzerland. kschwenzer@uhbs.ch
Summary
A new handheld laser scanner effectively captures 3D facial surfaces for plastic surgery, overcoming shadowing issues common in cleft lip and palate (CLP) cases. This technology offers precise, complete data for improved surgical documentation and planning.
Area of Science:
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Medical Imaging
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Accurate 3D surface capture is crucial for documenting and planning reconstructive surgeries, especially for complex facial anatomy in cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients.
- Existing 3D scanning systems often suffer from shadowing effects, limiting data completeness and accuracy.
- A novel approach using a mobile, handheld laser scanner with optical tracking, adapted from automotive industries, offers a potential solution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the suitability and performance of a handheld laser scanner with optical tracking for capturing 3D facial surfaces in pediatric patients undergoing surgery for cleft deformities.
- To assess the reliability, validity, and data completeness of this new scanning system in a clinical operating theatre setting.
Main Methods:
- Employed a mobile, flexible handheld laser scanner with simultaneous optical tracking for 3D surface capture.
- Scanned five infants (aged ~3 months) with various cleft deformities (CLP, bilateral CLP, isolated cleft lip) multiple times (preoperative, postoperative, 7-day follow-up).
- Assessed system reliability and validity using an industrial standard specimen and plaster cast masks of cleft deformities, analyzing data completeness and accuracy.
Main Results:
- The handheld laser scanner successfully avoided shadowing effects in all captured images.
- Complex facial areas, including those with undercuts, were reproduced completely and with sub-millimetre accuracy.
- The system demonstrated high reliability and validity for capturing detailed 3D facial surfaces in infants with cleft deformities.
Conclusions:
- The handheld laser scanner with optical tracking is a suitable and effective tool for 3D surface documentation and therapy planning in plastic and reconstructive surgery for cleft lip and palate.
- This technology overcomes limitations of traditional scanners, providing precise and complete facial data essential for complex surgical cases.
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