Optimizing visualization feedback of real-time navigation for orbital reconstructions: A preclinical study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Surgical Navigation

Background:

• Current surgical navigation systems for orbital reconstruction face challenges in real-time feedback interpretation and timing.
• Improving visualization methods is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of orbital implant positioning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of different visualization methods on the efficiency and interpretability of real-time feedback during in-vitro orbital reconstruction.
• To assess surgeon preferences and usability of various visualization techniques in simulated orbital surgery.

Main Methods:

• Six surgeons of varying experience performed standardized in-vitro orbital implant positioning tasks using six different visualization modes.
• Data collected included interpretation accuracy and time to correct implant positioning.
• Visualization modes incorporated computed tomography (CT) images, 3D models, and distance mapping.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences in positioning time or interpretation accuracy were found across the tested visualization methods.
• Surgeons expressed strong preferences for anatomical CT data and coronal views for improved spatial understanding.
• 3D models and instrument orientation views were perceived as less intuitive by surgeons.

Conclusions:

• While objective performance metrics showed no significant differences, surgeon usability and interpretability are critical for clinical adoption of surgical navigation systems.
• Future navigation workflows should integrate anatomical context and tailored visual support for more intuitive orbital surgery.
• A two-step strategy (3D for alignment, 2D for precision) emerged from surgeon feedback.