A New Software Suite in Orthognathic Surgery : Patient Specific Modeling, Simulation and Navigation

Area of Science:

• Maxillofacial Surgery
• Medical Imaging
• Computer-Aided Surgery

Background:

• Orthognathic surgery corrects dentofacial deformities impacting function and aesthetics.
• Current surgical workflows face limitations in planning, simulation, and intraoperative guidance.
• Novel tools are needed to improve accuracy and efficiency in orthognathic procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate novel tools for enhancing simulation and intraoperative navigation in orthognathic surgery.
• To improve patient-specific 3D modeling, postoperative soft tissue simulation, and real-time surgical guidance.
• To assess the impact of new tools on surgical accuracy, operative time, and surgeon education.

Main Methods:

• Developed a semiautomated segmentation pipeline for rapid, accurate 3D modeling from CT scans.
• Created simulation software using a mass-spring model and Bullet engine for soft tissue prediction.
• Implemented a real-time navigation system with electromagnetic sensors and an augmented virtuality interface.

Main Results:

• Semiautomated segmentation improved processing time by 6x with a 1.5-mm error.
• Postoperative soft tissue simulation achieved accuracy below 1 mm.
• The navigation system enhanced surgical accuracy and reduced operative time, particularly for trainees.

Conclusions:

• The developed toolset significantly improves preoperative planning, simulation, and intraoperative navigation in orthognathic surgery.
• Novel software enhances operative accuracy, reduces procedure time, and offers educational benefits for surgeons.
• These advancements contribute to improved patient care and outcomes in maxillofacial surgery.