The Combined Application of Augmented Reality and Guide Template Technology in the Treatment of Nasal Deformities.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to propose a surgical plan based on augmented reality (AR) and guide template technology for restoration of nasal deformities, and evaluate its feasibility and clinical efficacy. Patients were scanned with a FaceScan to obtain the three-dimensional (3D) facial model, and computed tomography was also performed to obtain the maxillofacial computed tomography images while wearing the artificial marker. The mirroring tool and database searching and matching technology were employed to restore the nasal deformities for a normal nose (preoperative planning model). The design of guide template for deciding the incision area was based on the preoperative planning model, which was also imported into the AR image guidance system named HuaxiAR1.0 for reconstruction of the nose contour. One week after the surgery, the postoperative 3D facial model was obtained. Then, the clinical efficacy was evaluated by comparing the difference between the preoperative planning and postoperative 3D facial model. The patients obtained satisfactory nasal shapes after surgery. Comparison of the difference between the preoperative and postoperative 3D model revealed that the maximum error was ranging from 2.24 mm to 3.10 mm with the mean error from 0.54 mm to 0.65 mm. The combined application of AR and guide template technology provides a new approach for the treatment of nasal deformities, and has a certain significance in realizing the precise repair of other craniofacial soft tissue deformities.