Advances and Innovations in Ablative Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery Using Mixed Reality Technologies in Personalized Medicine

Abstract

The benefit of computer-assisted planning in head and neck ablative and reconstructive surgery has been extensively documented over the last decade. This approach has been proven to offer a more secure surgical procedure. In the treatment of cancer of the head and neck, computer-assisted surgery can be used to visualize and estimate the location and extent of the tumor mass. Nowadays, some software tools even allow the visualization of the structures of interest in a mixed reality environment. However, the precise integration of mixed reality systems into a daily clinical routine is still a challenge. To date, this technology is not yet fully integrated into clinical settings such as the tumor board, surgical planning for head and neck tumors, or medical and surgical education. As a consequence, the handling of these systems is still of an experimental nature, and decision-making based on the presented data is not yet widely used. The aim of this paper is to present a novel, user-friendly 3D planning and mixed reality software and its potential application for ablative and reconstructive head and neck surgery.

A New Approach to Virtual Occlusion in Orthognathic Surgery Planning Using Mixed Reality—A Technical Note and Review of the Literature

“…While other methods such as head-tracked stereo glasses with 3D-like monitor-views combining haptic feedback devices have made strides in simulations of fracture repositioning in trauma cases [62], mixed reality technology takes visualization to an entirely new level. Considering the rapid advancements in mixed reality across various disciplines and the modern applications it offers, this emerging method is exceptionally promising [24,25,[63][64][65]. However, before widespread adoption, rigorous testing is required to assess its accuracy and clinical application.…”

“…As it is compatible with the data sets of virtual surgical planning, surgeons can already benefit from MR. During preoperative planning, MR allows the surgeons to visualize 3D models of a patient's anatomy, aiding in surgical precision and reducing surgical risks. Among other application examples for maxillofacial surgery, this technology can help with surgical decision-making concerning the preferred mode of reconstruction in orbital trauma surgery and can serve as an immersive communication platform for interdisciplinary exchange during multidisciplinary tumor boards [24,25]. Surgical training can be greatly enhanced through realistic and interactive simulations and immersive learning experiences [26,27].…”