Computer-aided planning and therapy for tumor-related mandibular reconstruction in young adulthood.

Project Management: Dr. Urs Eisenmann

Cooperation:

Heidelberg University Hospital: Clinic for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (MKG).

Sponsor: Dietmar Hopp Foundation GmbH

Brief description:

The aim of the project is the development and clinical establishment of a continuous computer-assisted mandibular reconstruction, which optimally and reliably supports the surgeon in harmonizing the facial profile and functional restitution.

The assistance procedure is to include software-based, patient-specific 3D planning as well as an innovative, computer-assisted surgical procedure.

The main task of the surgical planning system to be developed is virtual 3D planning of mandibular reconstruction based on CT slice image data. The system includes a knowledge base that provides surgical knowledge. Thus, automated alignment of bone grafts (e.g., segments of the fibula) can be performed to optimally reconstruct the mandible, providing an objective assessment of functional restoration and facial symmetry. If necessary, the surgeon can interactively further optimize the automated proposal,

Based on the digital surgical plan, the planning system generates virtual patient-specific cutting templates and a customized reconstruction plate to assist the surgeon in implementing the surgical plan.

Furthermore, an EM navigation system will be implemented to support the surgeon in positioning the graft. For this purpose, the current position of the segments is to be compared and visualized in special 2D and 3D views with the specified target on the intraoperative monitor in all 6 degrees of freedom. This would enable the surgeon to accurately estimate the position of the graft and navigate precisely and safely to the planned final position.

Duration: 2019-2022

Institute staff: N. Hagen, L. Kraut