Mathematical Modeling and Numerical Simulation in Maxillo-Facial Virtual Surgery (VISU)

Abstract

Computer-based surgery simulation is a rapidly emerging and increasingly important area of research that combines a number of disciplines for the common purpose of improving healthcare. The objective of this paper is to provide a virtual surgery (VISU) tool for accurately planning the aesthetic impact of hard and soft tissue movements in dento-skeletal malocclusions. The approach proposed here allows direct interaction with a completely three-dimensional (3-D) computed tomography (CT) model of a solid, highly detailed structure of the head to obtain a realistic prediction of soft tissue behavior. We studied 25 patients who had facial malformations pre- and postoperatively with 3-D hard and soft tissue CT studies, and maxillary or mandibular osteotomies were simulated. The postoperative 3-D CT and facial outcomes were compared with the simulations. In 80% of the cases studied, the simulation-predicted changes, when compared with the clinical outcomes, were within the tolerance level (2 mm) established by maxillo-facial surgeons.

Validation of new soft tissue software in orthognathic surgery planning

“…The results indicate that the preview with SurgiCase-CMF 1 software was of a higher quality than that obtained in a previous trial with VISU 13 (VISU 80%; SurgiCase-CMF 1 91%). Both soft tissue simulation software systems are based on the algorithm previously described 17 , so the difference in reliability is probably due to the more accurate surface reconstruction of hard tissues and the realism and precision of the surgical planning functions with SurgiCase-CMF 1 .…”

“…MARCHETTI et al 13 in a clinical and surgical study reported a reliability and reproducibility rate of 80% using VISU software. The Belgian company, Materialise, has developed a simulation software package, SurgiCase-CMF 1 , that includes VISU soft tissue simulation algorithms.…”

Geometric morphometric methods for three-dimensional virtual reconstruction of a fragmented cranium: the case of Angelo Poliziano

“…Three-dimensional virtual reconstructions have recently been used for planning mandibular reconstruction [21], modeling of the orbital cavity [22], and in maxillo-facial surgery [23,24]. They are also widely used in paleoanthropological research [25][26][27][28], which illuminates the great potential of the new three-dimensional technologies.…”

The Cutting Edge in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

“…These data can be converted into 3D images of a patient's craniofacial skeleton and the soft tissue covering it by using a sequence of computerized mathematical algorithms [1]. It is also possible to interact with these 3D images simulating the surgery that will take place and provides information about the surgical outcome predictions in soft and hard tissues.…”