Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026
Real-Time Dynamic Navigation System for the Precise Quad-Zygomatic Implant Placement in a Patient with a Severely Atrophic Maxilla
Published on: October 18, 2021
A Novel System for Navigation-and Robot-Assisted Craniofacial Surgery: Establishment of the Principle Prototype
Haijun Gui1, Shilei Zhang, Nan Luan
1*Department of Oral and Craniomaxillofacial Science, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine †School of Mechanical Engineering ‡Manufacturing and Life Quality Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School, Shanghai, China §Department of Oral Surgery, College of Dentistry, University of the East; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Lung Center of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines.
Purpose:
The authors aimed to develop 1 novel navigation-guided robotic system for craniofacial surgery to improve accuracy during operation.
Materials And Methods:
A new 7-DOF (7-degree-of-freedom) robotic arm was designed and manufactured. Based on our self-developed navigation system TBNAVIS-CMFS, the key technique of integration was studied. A phantom skull model was manufactured based on computed tomography image data and used for the preexperimental study. Firstly, virtual planning was achieved through the TBNAVIS-CMFS, where the Le Fort I procedure was executed through simulation. Then, the actual Le Fort 1 osteotomy was expected to perform with the use of the robotic arm following the instructions from the navigation system.
Results:
The theoretical prototype of navigation-guided robotic system for craniofacial surgery was established successfully, which performed the planned Le Fort I procedure with the whole process visible on the screen.
Conclusions:
The technical method of navigation-guided robotics system, allowing the operator to practice the virtual planning procedure through navigation system as well as perform the actual operation thru the robotic arm, could be regarded as a valuable option for benefiting craniofacial surgeons.
