Application of a mixed reality device to oral surgery

Abstract

Mixed reality refers to all technologies that combine real and virtual spaces to create a new space in which real and virtual objects interact in real time. Recently, the development of technology for superimposing three-dimensional computer graphics on real space has been dramatic. This technology has also been applied to oral surgery. This report describes five diverse cases of oral surgery that were treated using the latest mixed reality device (Microsoft®HoloLens2). Case 1 underwent temporomandibular joint mobilization for ankylosis. Case 2 underwent alveolar bone grafting for cheilognathopalatoschisis. Case 3 underwent genioplasty for jaw deformity. Case 4 underwent resection of a mandibular calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor. Case 5 underwent open reduction and internal fixation for a mandibular fracture. In each case, three-dimensional images were created from the digital imaging and communications in medicine data of computed tomography images using the three-dimensional Slicer software, the images were edited using the Blender software, an application for HoloLens2 created using the Unity software, and HoloLens2 was worn by the surgical assistant to display the three-dimensional image in the surgical field through manual operations. The visibility of the three-dimensional images was good, and preoperative image information could be observed in real time.