3D Breast Scanning in Plastic Surgery Utilizing Free iPhone LiDAR Application: Evaluation, Potential, and Limitations

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Medical Imaging
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Three-dimensional (3D) imaging is valuable for surgical planning but often cost-prohibitive.
• Mobile Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) presents a potentially affordable alternative for 3D data acquisition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the accuracy and clinical utility of iPhone LiDAR for breast measurements.
• To compare LiDAR-based measurements with traditional methods.
• To develop standardized protocols for integrating LiDAR into clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• A prospective validation study involved 25 patients undergoing breast procedures.
• iPhone 15 Pro LiDAR scanner and a "3D Scanner App" were used.
• Standardized breast measurements (sternal notch-to-nipple, nipple-to-midline, nipple-to-inframammary fold) were compared between LiDAR and manual techniques.
• Technical Error of Measurement (TEM), relative TEM (rTEM), interrater reliability, and cost-effectiveness were analyzed.

Main Results:

• LiDAR demonstrated high accuracy for sternal notch-to-nipple (rTEM 1.43%) and nipple-to-midline (rTEM 2.83%) measurements.
• Accuracy was poor for nipple-to-inframammary fold measurements (rTEM 13.05%).
• Excellent interrater reliability (ICC = 0.92) and measurement stability after 5 cases were observed.
• A 97.8% reduction in initial investment was noted compared to commercial 3D systems.

Conclusions:

• Mobile LiDAR is a cost-effective tool for breast surgery planning and documentation.
• While accurate for linear measurements, LiDAR has limitations for complex breast curves.
• Ongoing technological evolution is expected to enhance LiDAR's accuracy and clinical applications.