3D Computer Reconstruction of the Velopharyngeal Mechanism
- Detailed Technology Description
- This new approach couples computer technology and magnetic resonance imaging to produce a 3D computer model for pre-surgical planning and post-surgical assessment.
- *Abstract
-
Cleft palate reconstruction presents surgeons with large obstacles, including successful surgery planning, confirming the surgery was done correctly and alleviating the need for follow-up procedures. Current surgical approaches involve very little surgical planning where the underlying musculature is examined.
Visualizing the anatomy prior to surgery is very difficult given the location and size of features. There are disadvantages to using computed tomography, which doesn’t show muscle well, and nasoendoscopy, which doesn’t show enough anatomy. Visualization of the levator muscle can be achieved through magnetic resonance imaging, using this invention.
This new approach couples computer technology and magnetic resonance imaging to produce a 3D computer model for pre-surgical planning and post-surgical assessment.
DESCRIPTION/DETAILS
This invention uses DICOM data from MR studies. This data is manipulated with a set of software to create an interactive 3D animation of the area of interest.
Using this approach, 3D computer models can be generated to provide comparisons with the pre-and-post surgical status in infants before and after primary palatoplasty. The computer models will also allow quantitative comparisons with the computer models of normal velopharyngeal anatomy. By using the computer models, the complex internal anatomy of the velopharyngeal mechanism and surrounding structures can be visualized and qualitatively and quantitatively compared as it exists in three dimensions.
APPLICATIONS
- Patient-specific modeling for cleft palate reconstruction, training surgery and remote surgery
BENEFITS
- Patient-specific 3D model allows for pre-surgery planning and post-surgery follow-up.
For more information about this technology, please contact the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Office of Technology Management at otm@illinois.edu.
- Country/Region
- USA
