3D Surface-Closed Mesh Clipping Based on Polygonal Partitioning for Surgical Planning

Area of Science:

• Computer-assisted surgery
• Medical imaging
• Computational geometry

Background:

• Efficient and accurate triangular mesh clipping is crucial for computer-assisted surgical planning.
• Existing methods lack flexibility in clipping paths and proper capping of cross-sections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an efficient and accurate interactive tool for triangular mesh clipping in surgical planning.
• To address limitations in clipping path flexibility and cross-section capping.

Main Methods:

• A mesh clipping algorithm based on polygonal convex partitioning.
• Extension of 2D polygonal regions to 3D clipping paths using reference points.
• Recursive algorithm for convex region partitioning to achieve closed surfaces.

Main Results:

• Developed surgical planning software with advanced mesh clipping capabilities.
• Demonstrated creation of complex clipping paths via normal vector adjustment and thickness control.
• Validated algorithm robustness and efficiency in craniomaxillofacial osteotomy, tumor resection, and cranial remodeling.

Conclusions:

• The proposed algorithm provides an efficient and accurate solution for triangular mesh clipping in surgical planning.
• The developed software enables flexible and robust 3D model manipulation for complex surgical procedures.
• This advancement supports improved outcomes in computer-assisted surgical interventions.