Haptics-assisted Virtual Planning of Bone, Soft Tissue, and Vessels in Fibula Osteocutaneous Free Flaps

Abstract

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Introduction of an algorithm for planning of autologous fibular transfer in mandibular reconstruction based on individual bone curvatures

“…This demonstrated that it is possible to integrate clinical knowledge of experienced surgeons in such a software tool and motivates us to integrate more clinical constraints, e.g. the individual supply of blood vessels, into a further evolved version of the software. Thus, we demonstrated the potential use of artificial intelligence in the surgical setting.…”

“…The fundamental difference of the present approach from published works with similar intentions is that the three‐dimensional bone surface geometries are simplified to curves that follow certain anatomical features. The advantage of using these curves to define the relevant contour of the target shape is that it reduces the overwhelmingly complex task of mandibular reconstruction to a manageable procedure.…”

“…Critics always question the benefits of computer‐assisted surgery regarding the higher costs, but it has been shown to be financially viable . Several studies were able to point out multiple advantages of computer‐assisted surgery, such as reduction in ischaemic time, size of the defect at donor site and an improvement of aesthetic outcome and at least comparable functional outcome . In our opinion, the presented algorithm is able to reduce the costs for computer‐assisted surgery by making the expensive web‐meeting obsolete because it can be applied by in‐house clinical experts rather than remote computer specialists.…”

Computer-Aided Surgical Simulation in Head and Neck Reconstruction: A Cost Comparison among Traditional, In-House, and Commercial Options

“…27 Hapticsassisted virtual planning, which allows planning of soft tissue and vessels in addition to bone for free fibula flaps has addressed some of these limitations, but additional developments are needed. 28 Despite these limitations, CASS can improve efficiency.…”

Automated Planning With Multivariate Shape Descriptors for Fibular Transfer in Mandibular Reconstruction

“…These recent studies address major issues in clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. [34] developed a haptics-assisted planning system that incorporates bone resection, fibula design, recipient vessel selection, pedicle and perforator location selection, and skin paddle configuration. [35] demonstrated the cost advantages of preoperative planning.…”