FORBILD

BAVARIAN CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR MEDICAL IMAGING AND IMAGE PROCESSING

Computer Assisted 3D Surgical Planning in Maxillo- and Craniofacial Surgery: Modelling, Optimal Control, Virtual Reality

In project II.1 technologies are to be developed which enable the surgeon to independently plan and simulate complex operations in a computer environment without the assistance of a computer scientist. At the moment the emphasis is put on the bony structures of the head. The project is divided into three spheres of activity. In the first one, based on three-dimensional, multimodality data sets, a finite-element model of the bony structures of the head is created. The finite-element models serve as basis for the surgical simulation. Their validity is determined by means of a biomechanical test stand, which was developed especially for this purpose. With the help of the multimodality data sets programs are established to plan and simulate the optimal operation procedure. It is to be made certain that "vulnerable structures" (e.g. larger blood vessels, nerves) are not to be hurt during the operation. The third sphere of activity integrates the results of the other two into a "virtual reality" environment. Available man-machine interfaces will have to be adapted to medical needs. Since project II.1 only started on October 1, 1999, no results can be presented yet.