The Benefits and Challenges of 3D Surgery Planners

Alexander Khmil, senior solution consultant at DataArt, delivered a presentation on 3D surgery planners during the MedTech LIVE 2020 virtual event. During orthopedic surgeries, doctors often face unpredictable risks that include surgical complications and ill-fitting implants. Surgeons also have to make sure that a particular surgery is feasible and can be performed. Yet another challenge is that existing 2D planners often fail to provide sufficient information. Sometimes, surgical planners are not used at all. The best option is to utilize a surgical 3D planner.

Currently, most surgery preparation is based on an examination of X-ray images and CT/MRI data. With the introduction of 3D planners, we can help surgeons see a full picture of the procedure, get a 3D visualization of the desired surgery outcome, ensure correct implant size and fit, and potentially shorten operating time.

Alexander pointed out some challenges associated with this kind of software. The first hurdle is approval by regulatory institutions such as the FDA or EMA and acceptance by the medical community. Another big challenge is creating a simple, intuitive and usable interface and integrating such software into regular surgical practices.

The benefits of using 3D surgery planners include better preparation for surgery and better control over the procedure during the surgery. This provides better outcomes and reduces the risk of complications and issues with implant fit. A unique UI/UX design for each planner allows a specific approach to a particular type of surgery.

In the presentation, Alexander described only one type of 3D surgery planner, but the use of such planners is not limited to just this type of operation. Such planners can be custom-built for different orthopedic and orthodontic surgeries, cranial and facial reconstruction and plastic surgeries, as well as soft tissue surgeries.

Watch a 10-minute presentation of Alexander Khmil’s at MedTechLIVE 2020 virtual event.