Preoperative Surgical Simulation Research Articles

Parotidectomy Surgical Simulation and Education with a Three-Dimensional Printed Face Model for Iraqi Surgeons

Purpose: Parotidectomy is usually suggested for many persons with parotid gland tumors. Facial nerve weakening is the most concerning of the potential consequences related to parotidectomy, resulting in a significantly reduced patient quality of life. With preoperative preparation and surgical training and simulation, a three-Dimensional (3D) printed human face anatomical model has just been designed and fabricated.
 Materials and Methods: Fifteen surgeons from Iraqi teaching hospitals evaluated the simulator model by using a Likert scale survey. The model is composed of a silicon based human face replica with an incorporated parotid gland replica and a closed electrical circuit of the facial nerve course to show when contact is made between the surgical instrument and the nerve to provide feedback.
 Results and Conclusion: All participants gave favorable feedback. Significant levels of satisfaction with the designed simulator have been relatively achieved. In comparison to experts, novice surgeons scored less for skin realism and handling. Such a difference suggests that the proposed simulator appears to have the potential to contribute to the advancement of surgical simulation, education, and planning.

Surgical Management of Complex Skull Base Tumor Using Preoperative Multimodal Image Fusion Technology.

To review our single-institution experience in the surgical management of complex skull base tumors using multimodal image fusion technology. From October 2019 to January 2022, 7 cases of complex skull base tumors that performed preoperative multimodal image fusion in Zhuhai People's Hospital neurosurgery department were involved in this study. The image data were uploaded to the GE AW workstation. Corresponding image sequences were opened in the workstation to complete registration fusion and 3D reconstruction. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and imaging data, and surgical strategy, respectively. one case of recurrent C2 schwannoma, 1 case of recurrent spindle cell tumor of the left cranio-orbital communication, 1 case of lobular malignant tumor of the left infratemporal fossa, 1 case of central giant cell repairing granuloma, 1 case of mesenchymal malignant tumor in left pharyngeal process, 1 case of meningioma in jugular foramen, and 1 case of hemangioblastoma with vascular malformation in fourth ventricular. All cases underwent preoperative multimodal image fusion for the surgical plan and all cases had gross total resection. Except for one case of mesenchymal malignant tumor in left pharyngeal process that had dysphagia and one case of hemangioblastoma that had discoordination, others cases were without postoperative complication. Preoperative multimodal image fusion and surgical approach simulation benefit complex skull base tumor surgical treatment. Individually multiple image assessment of complex skull base tumors to determine the specific surgical strategy is more rational and should be recommended (Supplemental Digital Content 1, Supplementary Video, http://links.lww.com/SCS/F936).

Utilization of 3D printing technology in hepatopancreatobiliary surgery.

The technology of three-dimensional (3D) printing emerged in the late 1970s and has since undergone considerable development to find numerous applications in mechanical engineering, industrial design, and biomedicine. In biomedical science, several studies have initially found that 3D printing technology can play an important role in the treatment of diseases in hepatopancreatobiliary surgery. For example, 3D printing technology has been applied to create detailed anatomical models of disease organs for preoperative personalized surgical strategies, surgical simulation, intraoperative navigation, medical training, and patient education. Moreover, cancer models have been created using 3D printing technology for the research and selection of chemotherapy drugs. With the aim to clarify the development and application of 3D printing technology in hepatopancreatobiliary surgery, we introduce seven common types of 3D printing technology and review the status of research and application of 3D printing technology in the field of hepatopancreatobiliary surgery.

Preoperative 3D Microvascular Decompression Simulation

Preoperative surgical simulation via three-dimensional fusion computer graphics models have been widely accepted as a legitimate means of securing the diagnosis and treatment effectiveness of neurovascular compression. The authors discussed three factors of surgical simulation as being 1. Knowing the anatomical relationship, 2. Knowing the desirable end result of surgical intervention, and 3. Knowing how to design surgical interventions to achieve such desirable end results. Satisfying each factor requires distinct functionality from the software used in the surgical simulation. As per the imaging study used to construct the multimodal computer graphic models, CT scan and MR are usually sufficient, although renal function-permitting contrast enhancement can be a feasible option for depicting minute vessels in particular. There are three major steps in building three-dimensional fusion computer graphics models:1. Image interpretation, 2. co-registration, and 3. Segmentation. Each step comprises an essential part that must be handled with care. The segmentation step is where rigorous technological advancement takes place, although classical techniques, such as the seeded region growing method or the multi-threshold method, are still practically important. Regarding surgical simulation after three-dimensional model construction, technical challenges concerning large deformations should be recognized to ensure non-nonsense surgical simulation.

A preoperative simulation of medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy for predicting postoperative realignment.

Three-dimensional preoperative surgical simulation of the medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO), simplified as the rigid rotation around the hinge axis, has been performed to predict postoperative realignment. However, the practicality of this highly simplified simulation method has not been verified. This study aimed to investigate the validity of realignment simulation simplified as a rotation around a hinge axis compared with a postoperative CT model. A three-dimensional surface model of the tibia and femur was created from preoperative computed tomography (CT) images (preoperative model) of three patients. The simulation of medial OWHTO created sixty computer simulation models in each patient simplified as the rigid rotation of the proximal part of the tibia relative to the distal part from 1° to 20° around three types of hinge axes. The simulation models were compared with the actual postoperative model created from postoperative CT images to assess the reality of the simulation model. The average surface distance between the two models was calculated as an index representing the similarity of the simulation model to the postoperative model. The minimum value of average surface distances between the simulation and postoperative CT models was almost 1mm in each patient. The rotation angles at which the minimum value of average surface distances was represented were almost identical to the actual correction angles. We found that the posterior tibial tilt and the axial rotation of the proximal tibia of the simulation model well represented those of the postoperative CT model, as well as the valgus correction. Therefore, the realignment simulation of medial OWHTO can generate realistic candidates for postoperative realignment that includes the actual postoperative realignment, suggesting the efficacy of the preoperative simulation method.

SURG-05. HYPER SMART CYBER OPERATING THEATER TO PERFORM FUTURE PREDICTIVE SURGERY

Abstract Gliomas are invasive tumors in which the extent of tumor resection is believed to correlate with prognosis. However, aggressive extraction risks deterioration due to functional tissue damage. One strategy for resolving this conflict is the technology of new modalities. The basis of this technology is digital transformation (DX), converting analog information called tacit knowledge on experiences into digital information for explicit knowledge. In the future, we will develop an AI system, generated by DX data, and support intraoperative decision-making with highly accurate future predictions. In order to realize this future-prediction surgery, we have developed a smart cyber operating theater (SCOT) with intraoperative MRI. More than 20 medical devices are connected by middleware (OPeLiNK®), and navigation spatial records and time-synchronized data are displayed on the strategy desk. A hyper version of SCOT has currently performed 277 surgeries, including 262 gliomas, 51 awake craniotomies, and 88 photodynamic therapies. For WHO grade 4 glioblastomas, we try to remove contrast-enhanced areas, and for grade 2/3 gliomas, to formulate an extraction strategy for each 3 genotypes, we perform preoperative AI prediction and intraoperative genetic diagnosis for genotype. Intraoperative flow cytometry is useful to predict the genotype (oligodendroglioma) and determine the extent of resection in some cases. Time-synchronized data showed points of surgical maneuvers causing speech arrest in awake surgery and decreases in MEP, and provided feedback during and after surgery. AI technology is also used for preoperative surgical simulation (GRID®), artifact reduction in iMRI, and brain shift prediction. The hyper SCOT supports the optimal removal of gliomas through intraoperative future prognosis prediction through device data and AI analysis. Furthermore, we are developing an AI robot (AIREC) that performs surgery through deep predictive learning, with the aim of commercialization after 2040. This work was partially supported by JST [Moonshot R&D] [Grant Number JPMJMS2031].

Advancements and Challenges in the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Surgical Arena: A Literature Review.

This literature review delves into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of surgery, exploring its evolution, applications, and technological advancements. AI, with its ability to mimic human intelligence, presents a paradigm shift in surgical practices. The review critically analyzes a broad range of research, encompassing machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and their diverse applications in preoperative planning, surgical simulation, intraoperative guidance, and postoperative analysis. Ethical, legal, and regulatory considerations, as well as challenges and future directions, are also explored. The study underscores AI's ability to revolutionize surgical visualization and its role in shaping the future of healthcare.

A simple formula to control posterior tibial slope during proximal tibial osteotomies

BackgroundHigh tibial osteotomy surgery is a widely successful joint-preserving procedure which alters the hip-knee-ankle axis which can delay the progression of osteoarthritis; however, conventional osteotomy surgical procedures do not adequately control the posterior tibial slope.This study aimed to determine the key variables influencing posterior tibial slope during high tibial osteotomy and provide a simple means of implementing the findings during pre-operative planning. MethodsA virtual cohort of twenty-eight proximal tibia geometries of knee osteoarthritis patients was used in the study. Firstly, absolute posterior tibial slope values were contrasted using anatomical and posterior mechanical axis measurement approaches. Secondly, the influence of variables affecting posterior tibial slope change during osteotomy surgery was investigated using 3D preoperative planning surgical simulation and analytical modelling. FindingsThere was a poor correlation (R2 = 0.38) between the different clinical measurements of posterior tibial slope; with an average of 7.0 ± 1.3° and 14.8 ± 2.2° respectively.An analytical solution for the change in posterior tibial slope was derived based on the hinge axis angle and the osteotomy opening angle. For three different opening angles (6°, 9° and 12°) and seven different hinge axis orientations (−30° to +30°), the results obtained were identical for the analytical model and the 3D preoperative planning. InterpretationThis study determined that the key variables affecting posterior tibial slope during high tibial osteotomy are the osteotomy opening angle and the hinge axis orientation. The derived formula provides a simple means of determining the change in posterior tibial slope resulting from a particular surgical approach.

Three-Dimensional Printing in Neurosurgery: A Review of Current Indications and Applications and a Basic Methodology for Creating a Three-Dimensional Printed Model for the Neurosurgical Practice.

Introduction Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an affordable aid that is useful in neurosurgery. It allows for better visualization and tactile appreciation of the individual anatomy and regions of interest and therefore potentially lowers the risk of complications. There are various applications of this technology in the field of neurosurgery. Materials and methods In this paper, we present a basic methodology for the creation of a 3D printed model using only open-source software for medical image editing, model generation, pre-printing preparation, and analysisof theliteratureconcerning the practical use of this methodology. Results The literature review on the current applications of 3D printed models in neurosurgery shows that they are mostly used for preoperative planning, surgical training, and simulation, closely followed by their use in patient-specific implants and instrumentation and medical education. MaterialiseTM Mimics is the most frequently used commercial software for a 3D modeling for preoperative planning and surgical simulation, while the most popular open-source software for the same applications is 3D Slicer. In this paper, we present the algorithm that we employ for 3D printing using HorosTM, Blender, and Cura software packages which are all free and open-source. Conclusion Three-dimensional printing is becoming widely available and of significance to neurosurgical practice. Currently, there are various applications of this technology that are less demanding in terms of technical knowledge and required fluency in medical imaging software. These predispositions open the field for further research on the possible use of 3D printing in neurosurgery.

The Efficacy and Safety Benefit of the Preoperative Three-Dimensional Surgical Simulation for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Through the Renal Tract

The Efficacy and Safety Benefit of the Preoperative Three-Dimensional Surgical Simulation for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Through the Renal Tract

Artificial intelligence-based technology for semi-automated segmentation of rectal cancer using high-resolution MRI.

Although MRI has a substantial role in directing treatment decisions for locally advanced rectal cancer, precise interpretation of the findings is not necessarily available at every institution. In this study, we aimed to develop artificial intelligence-based software for the segmentation of rectal cancer that can be used for staging to optimize treatment strategy and for preoperative surgical simulation. Images from a total of 201 patients who underwent preoperative MRI were analyzed for training data. The resected specimen was processed in a circular shape in 103 cases. Using these datasets, ground-truth labels were prepared by annotating MR images with ground-truth segmentation labels of tumor area based on pathologically confirmed lesions. In addition, the areas of rectum and mesorectum were also labeled. An automatic segmentation algorithm was developed using a U-net deep neural network. The developed algorithm could estimate the area of the tumor, rectum, and mesorectum. The Dice similarity coefficients between manual and automatic segmentation were 0.727, 0.930, and 0.917 for tumor, rectum, and mesorectum, respectively. The T2/T3 diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy were 0.773, 0.768, and 0.771, respectively. This algorithm can provide objective analysis of MR images at any institution, and aid risk stratification in rectal cancer and the tailoring of individual treatments. Moreover, it can be used for surgical simulations.

Application of 3D Imaging-Assisted Precise Aesthetic Evaluation in Midfacial Depression Treatment.

Most Chinese have unpleasant facial profile of midfacial depression, which could be caused by multiple reasons. In the past, LeFort osteotomy and orthodontic methods were applied for surgical treatment of midfacial concavity. As the development of plastic surgery filling techniques, nasal base filling or concurrent comprehensive rhinoplasty has been widely used to improve midfacial depression. However, most of the related studies focus on surgical techniques or filling materials, yet lack accurate and objective aesthetic evaluation. In the current study, we used 3D imaging to collect 3D facial profile of 66 patients suffering from midfacial depression. Related linear distance and angles were measured accurately using 3D software. Patient satisfaction and physician evaluation were also collected in the follow-up period. The results showed that patients' midfacial depression were significantly improved after the surgery and the overall patient satisfaction was 100%. Our study demonstrated the positive role of nasal base filling in improving the midfacial depression, and illustrated the advantages of 3D imaging technology in personalized preoperative communication, surgical simulation and postoperative effect evaluation.Level of evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

“In-house” Design and Use of 3-dimensional Printed Patient-specific Bone Tumor Resection Guides for Geometric Osteotomies in Sarcoma Surgery

Three-dimensional printing technology has rapidly advanced as a promising technology for preoperative planning, education, and surgical execution in orthopedic surgery. Use of patient-specific instrumentation in orthopedic oncology sarcoma cases can streamline complex osteotomies while providing safe margins based on predetermined osteotomy levels. We describe use of an “in-house” protocol to create patient-specific bone tumor resection guides for use in orthopedic oncology cases. The described protocol bypasses expensive outsourcing options and facilitates use of preoperative surgical simulation and intimate involvement of the surgical team in the guide design. We report on the successful design and use of three-dimensional printed patient-specific bone tissue resection guides in a case of proximal tibial parosteal osteosarcoma resection and reconstruction with a size-matched allograft, and in a case of a secondary pelvic chondrosarcoma resection.

Preoperative Evaluation and Surgical Simulation for Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Elbow Using Three-Dimensional MRI-CT Image Fusion Images.

We used our novel three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging-computed tomography fusion images (3D MRI-CT fusion images; MCFIs) for detailed preoperative lesion evaluation and surgical simulation in osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the elbow. Herein, we introduce our procedure and report the findings of the assessment of its utility. We enrolled 16 men (mean age: 14.0 years) and performed preoperative MRI using 7 kg axial traction with a 3-Tesla imager and CT. Three-dimensional-MRI models of the humerus and articular cartilage and a 3D-CT model of the humerus were constructed. We created MCFIs using both models. We validated the findings obtained from the MCFIs and intraoperative findings using the following items: articular cartilage fissures and defects, articular surface deformities, vertical and horizontal lesion diameters, the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) classification, and surgical procedures. The MCFIs accurately reproduced the lesions and correctly matched the ICRS classification in 93.5% of cases. Surgery was performed as simulated in all cases. Preoperatively measured lesion diameters exhibited no significant differences compared to the intraoperative measurements. MCFIs were useful in the evaluation of OCD lesions and detailed preoperative surgical simulation through accurate reproduction of 3D structural details of the lesions.

Real-Time Image-Guided Navigation in the Management of Alveolar Cleft Repair.

Objectives: To present the use of dynamic navigation system in the repair of alveolar cleft. Patients and Participants: A total of three non-syndromic patients with unilateral alveolar cleft were involved in this study. Real-time computer-aided navigation were used to achieve restoration and reconstruction with standardized surgical technique. Methods: With the individual virtual 3-dimensional (3-D) modeling based on computed tomography (CT) data, preoperative planning and surgical simulation were carried out with the navigation system. During preoperative virtual planning, the defect volume or the quantity of graft is directly assessed at the surgical region. With the use of this system, the gingival periosteum flap incision can be tracked in real-time, and the bone graft can be navigated under the guidance of the 3-D views until it matches the preoperatively planned position. Results: Three patients with alveolar cleft were successfully performed under navigation guidance. Through the model alignment procedure, accurate matches between the actual intraoperative position and the CT images were achieved within the systematic error of 0.3 mm. The grafted bone was implanted according to the preoperative plan with the aid of instrument- and probe-based navigation. All the patients were healed well without serious complications. Conclusions: These findings suggest that image-guided surgical navigation, including preoperative planning, surgical simulation, postoperative assessment, and computer-assisted navigation was feasible and yielded good clinical outcomes. Clinical relevance: This dynamic navigation could be proved to be a valuable option for this complicated surgical procedure in the management of alveolar cleft repair.

Orthopedics and 3D technology in Turkey: A preliminary report.

Objectives In this study, we present the use of case specific three- dimensional (3D) printed plastic models and custom-made acetabular implants in orthopedic surgery.Materials and methods Between March 2018 and September 2020, surgeries were simulated using plastic models manufactured by 3D printers on the two patients with pilon fractures. Also, custom-made acetabular implants were used on two patients with an acetabular bone defect for the revision of total hip arthroplasty (THA).Results More comfortable surgeries were experienced in pilon fractures using preoperative plastic models. Similarly, during the follow-up period, the patients that applied custom-made acetabular implants showed a fixed and well-positioning in radiographic examination. These patients did not experience any surgical complications and achieved an excellent recovery.Conclusion Preoperative surgical simulation with 3D printed models can increase the comfort of fracture surgeries. Also, custom-made 3D printed acetabular implants can perform an important task in patients treated with revision THA surgery due to severe acetabular defects.

3D Printed Surgical Guides Applied in Rhinoplasty to Help Obtain Ideal Nasal Profile.

As computer simulation for rhinoplasty continues to rise, the technology's utility extends beyond increasing patient conversion. Virtual simulation of the surgical result can assist with surgical planning and intraoperative decision-making. 3D printed anatomic models or surgical guides based on 3D images may help align surgeons with their original surgical plan. This study aims to evaluate the utility of 3D printed surgical guides as an intraoperative tool to help establish dorsal height and tip position. Patients undergoing rhinoplasty had preoperative virtual 3D surgical simulations performed. Simulations were used to create a 3D printed nasal kits containing ceramic models of the preoperative nose and simulated nose, sagittal contour guide, and customized postoperative nasal splint. Nasal guides were sterilized for continual intraoperative assessment of profile contour (i.e., dorsal height and tip position). Postoperative 3D images (1-3 months post-op) were then compared to preoperative simulations. The difference between z coordinates and y coordinates determined the difference in projection and rotation, respectively. Fifteen patients met inclusion criteria for this study. With the use of 3D printed surgical guides, the final tip position was on average of 0.8±0.7mm from simulated projection and 0.3±0.2mm from simulated rotation. Similarly, projection for the cartilaginous and bony dorsum was within 1.0±0.8 and 0.8±0.7mm of the simulation, respectively. Virtual simulation is useful in defining aesthetic goals preoperatively, but the potential clinical value extends beyond this. 3D printed rhinoplasty guides extend the simulation's utility to decision-making intraoperatively. This technology offers a novel medium for anatomic reference, which may improve adherence to desired aesthetic goals. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine Ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Computer-assisted mandibular curved osteotomy: An automatic method to design the new aesthetic gonion and osteotomy line

Digital technology has been widely used in mandibular curved osteotomy to improve accuracy. However, the planning process still highly dependent on the experience and judgement of the surgeon. This study describes an automatic method to design the new gonion and osteotomy line based on the aesthetic standards in attractive women, and assesses its clinical outcomes. An automatic surgical planning method for mandibular curved osteotomy was developed based on our previous research of mandibular angle aesthetics. A prospective clinical study was conducted from April 2016 to April 2018. Twenty-five female patients with prominent mandibular angle were enrolled. Pre- and postoperative skull computed tomography (CT) was performed. Three-dimensional (3D) CT data were obtained and processed by Mimics 18.0. Surgical templates were designed according to the automatic surgical planning method and 3D printed for the surgery. Preoperative measurements, surgical simulation and postoperative measurements were taken to evaluate the surgical outcomes. There were significant differences between the preoperative and the postoperative groups' results (p < 0.01). There was no difference between the surgical simulation and the postoperative results. All postoperative measurements were consistent with aesthetic features of mandibles. Patients were satisfied with their outcomes in terms of outline, symmetry and lower facial width. Our study developed an automatic method to position the new aesthetic gonion and osteotomy line for prominent mandibular angle patients. We proved that this method is safe, effective and reliable.

Evaluation of accuracy of laparoscopic liver mono-segmentectomy using the Glissonian approach with indocyanine green fluorescence negative staining by comparing estimated and actual resection volumes: A single-center retrospective cohort study.

Laparoscopic liver mono-segmentectomy (LLMS) may improve patient outcomes, but it is difficult and its accuracy and safety are unknown. We evaluated the accuracy of LLMS using Glissonian approach with indocyanine green fluorescence (ICG) negative staining. Seventy-four patients eligible for LLMS except for segment 1 were enrolled. Preoperative three-dimensional CT-based surgical simulation was used to determine estimated liver resection volume (ELRV), which was compared with modified actual liver resection volume (ALRV) obtained from actual liver resection mass. The LLMS accuracy was also evaluated based on operator's experience (attending surgeon [AS] or trainee surgeon [TS]). Estimated liver resection volumes significantly correlated with ALRVs (r=.82) in all cases. Moreover, TS-conducted LLMS also showed acceptable difference between ELRV and ALRV compared with AS-conducted LLMS. There were no intergroup differences in estimated blood loss, operation time, time of Pringle maneuver, postoperative complications, and length of postoperative hospitalization (P<.05). Moreover, R0 resection was comparable between the AS and TS groups. Laparoscopic liver mono-segmentectomy with Glissonian approach using ICG negative imaging ensured safe and accurate procedure owing to facilitated visualization of the resection line. Our approach was effective in avoiding postoperative liver dysfunction and securing radical resection. In addition, it might be helpful in TS education of LLMS.

Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD)

Computational fluid dynamics(CFD)is a useful tool for simulating blood flow and has been applied to hemodynamic analysis in cerebrovascular disease. Although CFD requires an engineering approach, it can potentially contribute to preoperative surgical simulation as an intraoperative aid. In this study, we describe the basic hemodynamic parameters for CFD analysis and demonstrate their effective practical use by focusing on intracranial aneurysms. A thinning cerebral aneurysmal wall indicates a rupture risk, and it cautions neurosurgeons of an intraoperative rupture. High pressure and low wall shear stress(WSS)have been proposed as hemodynamic parameters that are related to a thinning wall. However, an atherosclerotic region is occasionally observed, and a combination of low WSS and high oscillatory shear index characterizes these wall lesions. One representative case of ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm showed that high pressure and low WSS can lead to the identification of rupture points in pre-rupture analysis. Meanwhile, in endovascular surgery, we conducted flow analysis in the residual cavity after coil embolization via metal artifact reduction using silent MR angiography. With the development of imaging modalities, a combination with CFD analysis can lead to new findings. Thus, use of CFD software by neurosurgeons for clinical applications is important.