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The computer-aided design margin: Ex vivo 3D specimen mapping to improve communication between surgeons and
Kayvon F Sharif1, James S Lewis2,3, Kim A Ely2
1Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
Head & Neck
|September 26, 2022
Summary
Three-dimensional (3D) scanning of surgical specimens improves surgeon-pathologist communication. This innovative approach enhances surgical margin assessment and pathology documentation, proving feasible for routine use.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Pathology
- Medical Imaging
- Digital Pathology
Background:
- Accurate surgical margin assessment is critical but faces numerous challenges.
- Effective communication between surgeons and pathologists is essential for specimen orientation and margin evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the feasibility of integrating three-dimensional (3D) scanning into surgical pathology workflows.
- To evaluate the impact of 3D scanning on surgeon-pathologist communication and margin assessment.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 40 surgical cases.
- Utilized structured-light 3D scanning for fresh specimen surface topography capture.
- Employed computer-aided design (CAD) software for documenting margin sampling sites.
- Distributed surveys to faculty and staff to assess feasibility and communication improvements.
Main Results:
- Median image acquisition time was 8 minutes.
- The majority of respondents found the 3D system improved communication clarity.
- 3D specimen maps aided in communicating focally positive or close margins in 4 out of 17 relevant cases.
Conclusions:
- Routine 3D scanning and specimen mapping is a feasible innovation.
- This technology enhances intraoperative and final pathology documentation.
- 3D mapping offers a novel approach to margin analysis and surgeon-pathologist communication.
