Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 2, 2026
10:25
Technical Approach for Infrared Tracking for Soft Tissue Navigation with a Holographic Head-Mounted Display and Preclinical Validation
Published on: September 2, 2025
572
A Novel Augmented Reality-Based Navigation System in Perforator Flap Transplantation - A Feasibility Study
Taoran Jiang1, Ming Zhu, Tao Zan
1From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China.
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|May 17, 2017
Summary
This study introduces an augmented reality-based navigation system (NS) for perforator flap transplantation. The system provides real-time 3D anatomical guidance, enabling precise perforator identification and dissection during surgery.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Surgical Navigation
- Augmented Reality
Background:
- Perforator dissection in flap transplantation is challenging due to anatomical variability.
- Preoperative imaging offers limited intraoperative guidance.
- A novel navigation system (NS) was developed to aid perforator flap transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and evaluate an augmented reality-based navigation system for perforator flap transplantation.
- To provide surgeons with direct, real-time guidance during complex vascular dissections.
Main Methods:
- The NS integrates computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and augmented reality (AR) techniques.
- Virtual vascular maps from CTA data are projected onto surgical sites using ARToolKit.
- A screw-fixation marker holder and tracking system facilitate accurate registration and navigation.
Main Results:
- The navigation system demonstrated effective assistance in identifying and dissecting perforators.
- The system enabled safe and precise perforator dissection.
- The mean system error was measured at 3.474 ± 1.546 mm.
Conclusions:
- Augmented reality-based navigation systems offer precise, real-time 3D anatomical guidance for surgery.
- This technology facilitates rapid identification and safe dissection of perforators in free flap transplantation.
- The developed NS has the potential to improve outcomes in reconstructive surgery.
