Our Summary

This research paper is about a new method for surgical navigation that doesn’t require a traditional registration procedure - a process that sets up a reference system for accurately guiding surgeons during operations. This new approach involves creating a custom-made mouthpiece (splint) for the patient, which is designed using pre-surgery imaging data and commercially available software. The mouthpiece has a built-in reference frame that helps guide the surgeon during the operation.

This method was tested on a cadaver and compared to other traditional methods. The results showed that the accuracy of this new method largely depends on the type of tracking technique used. It worked best with electromagnetic tracking and worst with optical tracking.

While this new method is quicker, less invasive, and doesn’t expose patients to radiation, it can’t be fully implemented in clinical settings just yet because of unexplained differences in accuracy between different tracking techniques.

FAQs

  1. What is the new method for surgical navigation that this research paper discusses?
  2. How does the accuracy of this new method compare to traditional methods?
  3. Why can’t this new method be fully implemented in clinical settings at this time?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing craniofacial surgery that the use of a custom-made mouthpiece for surgical navigation can help improve accuracy and reduce invasiveness during the procedure. It is important to discuss with your surgeon which tracking technique will be used and any potential limitations of the new method. It is also important to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Craniofacial surgery is typically recommended for patients with congenital deformities, traumatic injuries, tumors, or other conditions affecting the structure and function of the face and skull. Some specific conditions that may require craniofacial surgery include cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis (premature fusion of skull bones), facial fractures, facial asymmetry, and microtia (underdeveloped or absent ear). Patients with severe facial deformities or functional impairments may also benefit from craniofacial surgery to improve their quality of life and appearance.

Timeline

Before craniofacial surgery, a patient typically undergoes a series of consultations and imaging tests to assess their condition and determine the best course of treatment. This may include CT scans, X-rays, and 3D facial scans to create a detailed plan for the surgery. The patient will also meet with the surgical team to discuss the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes.

During the surgery, the patient is put under general anesthesia, and the surgeon uses the preoperative plan and imaging data to guide the procedure. In traditional methods, a registration procedure is performed to set up a reference system for navigation during the operation. This involves attaching markers or fiducials to the patient’s face to track their movements in real-time.

After the surgery, the patient is monitored closely for any complications and may be given pain medication to manage discomfort. Recovery time can vary depending on the complexity of the surgery, but patients are typically advised to avoid strenuous activities and follow post-operative care instructions to promote healing.

With the new method of surgical navigation using a custom-made mouthpiece, the patient may experience a quicker and less invasive procedure without the need for traditional registration techniques. However, further research is needed to address the differences in accuracy between tracking techniques before this method can be widely implemented in clinical settings.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Can you explain how the custom-made mouthpiece works in guiding the surgeon during craniofacial surgery?
  2. What are the potential benefits of using this new method compared to traditional surgical navigation techniques?
  3. Are there any potential risks or limitations associated with using the custom-made mouthpiece during surgery?
  4. How does the accuracy of this new method compare to other traditional methods, such as traditional registration procedures?
  5. What type of tracking technique is recommended for achieving the highest level of accuracy with this new method?
  6. Are there any specific criteria that make a patient a good candidate for using the custom-made mouthpiece during craniofacial surgery?
  7. How does the use of the custom-made mouthpiece impact the overall surgical experience for the patient?
  8. What are the potential implications of the unexplained differences in accuracy between different tracking techniques for the implementation of this new method in clinical settings?
  9. Are there any ongoing research or developments in this area that could further improve the accuracy and effectiveness of the custom-made mouthpiece for craniofacial surgery?
  10. How can patients stay informed and involved in the decision-making process regarding the use of this new method for their craniofacial surgery?

Reference

Authors: Schreurs R, Baan F, Klop C, Dubois L, Beenen LFM, Habets PEMH, Becking AG, Maal TJJ. Journal: Sci Rep. 2021 Sep 10;11(1):18080. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-97706-5. PMID: 34508161