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RACS ASC 2024

Virtual Surgical Planning History in Head & Neck Surgery

Poster

Poster

Disciplines

Surgical History

Presentation Description

Institution: Westmead Hospital - NSW, Australia

The history of Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP) in head and neck surgery began with the emergence of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) technologies in the 1990s. The integration of 3D imaging modalities, such as CT and MRI, provided surgeons with detailed anatomical information, laying the foundation for VSP. Advancements in 3D printing technology enabled the creation of physical models from preoperative imaging, facilitating hands-on planning. The introduction of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies expanded VSP capabilities, allowing surgeons to immerse themselves in a virtual environment for enhanced visualization and manipulation of anatomical structures. VSP gained prominence in maxillofacial and craniofacial surgery, with applications extending to orthognathic surgery, facial reconstruction, and tumor resections in the head and neck region. A significant development was the customization of patient-specific implants and prosthetics, optimizing functional and aesthetic outcomes. As VSP technologies became refined, their clinical adoption increased due to improved preoperative planning, enhanced surgical precision, and overall patient care benefits. Ongoing research focuses on artificial intelligence applications, further integration of VR and AR, and exploring new avenues to optimize surgical planning and outcomes. VSP has evolved into an integral component of modern head and neck surgery, contributing to enhanced precision and personalized care for patients undergoing complex procedures in this specialized field.

Speakers

Authors

Authors

Dr Harrison Garrett - , Dr Jake Chia -