[Application of mixed reality technique for the surgery of oral and maxillofacial tumors].

objectiveTo explore the application of mixed reality technique for the surgery of oral and maxillofacial tumors.

methodsIn this study, patients with a diagnosis of an oral and maxillofacial tumor who were referred to Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from December 2018 to January 2020 were selected. The preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography data of the patients were imported into StarAtlas Holographic Medical Imaging System (Visual 3D Corp., Beijing, China). Three-dimensional (3D) model of tumor and key structures, such as skeleton and vessels were reconstructed to three-dimensionally present the spatial relationship between them, followed with the key structures delineation and preoperative virtual surgical planning. By using mixed reality technique, the real-time 3D model was displayed stereotactically in the surgical site. While keeping sterile during operation, the surgeon could use simple gestures to adjust the 3D model, and observed the location, range, and size of tumor and the key structures adjacent to the tumor. Mixed reality technique was used to assist the operation: 3D model registration was performed for guidance before tumor excision; intraoperative real-time verification was performed during tumor exposure and after excision of the tumor. The Likert scale was used to evaluate the application of mixed reality technique after the operation.

resultsEight patients underwent mixed reality assisted tumor resection, and all of them successfully completed the operation. The average time of the 3D model registration was 12.0 minutes. In all the cases, the surgeon could intuitively and three-dimensionally observe the 3D model of the tumor and the surrounding anatomical structures, and could adjust the model during the operation. The results of the Likert scale showed that mixed reality technique got high scores in terms of perceptual accuracy, helping to locate the anatomical parts, the role of model guidance during surgery, and the potential for improving surgical safety (4.22, 4.19, 4.16, and 4.28 points respectively). Eight patients healed well without perioperative complications.

conclusionBy providing real-time stereotactic visualization of anatomy of surgical site and guiding the operation process through 3D model, mixed reality technique could improve the accuracy and safety of the excision of oral and maxillofacial tumors.