Evaluation of 3D Imaging

Digital Evaluation of Vertical Ridge Augmentation with the Modified Shell Technique Using a Xenogeneic Bone Lamina: A Case Series

Vertical ridge augmentation is a demanding and technique-sensitive surgical procedure. In the present case series, cone beam CT (CBCT) scans from the clinical routine of patients treated using a novel approach for vertical bone augmentation were assessed. All patients showed a single-tooth class 5 defect and were treated using a modification of the original shell technique. Cortical bone plates were replaced with a lamina composed of a partially demineralized porcine xenograft. CBCT scans of six consecutive patients were treated with the lamina and particulate bone from the mandibular ramus prior to a single tooth implant in the anterior maxilla were included. Pre- and postsurgical CBCT data sets were superimposed and analyzed digitally using surface matching and Boolean subtraction. The volume of the grafted area was calculated with and without the xenograft. The vertical gain of the ridge height measured in this case series varied from 7 to 11.3 mm. The mean vertical gain was 8.97 mm. The mean volume including the xenograft was 382.59 mm3 (SD 73.39) and 250.84 mm3 (SD 53.67) without the lamina. The modified shell technique used in this case series for the vertical augmentation of single-tooth class 5 defects provided sufficient bone for single implant restorations.

Multimodal image fusion in ultrasound-based neuronavigation: improving overview and interpretation by integrating preoperative MRI with intraoperative 3D ultrasound

OBJECTIVE

We have investigated alternative ways to integrate intraoperative 3D ultrasound images and preoperative MR images in the same 3D scene for visualizing brain shift and improving overview and interpretation in ultrasound-based neuronavigation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A Multi-Modal Volume Visualizer (MMVV) was developed that can read data exported from the SonoWand neuronavigation system and reconstruct the spatial relationship between the volumes available at any given time during an operation, thus enabling the exploration of new ways to fuse pre- and intraoperative data for planning, guidance and therapy control. In addition, the mismatch between MRI volumes registered to the patient and intraoperative ultrasound acquired from the dura was qualified.

RESULTS

The results show that image fusion of intraoperative ultrasound images in combination with preoperative MRI will make perception of available information easier by providing updated (real-time) image information and an extended overview of the operating field during surgery. This approach will assess the degree of anatomical changes during surgery and give the surgeon an understanding of how identical structures are imaged using the different imaging modalities. The present study showed that in 50% of the cases there were indications of brain shift even before the surgical procedure had started.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that image fusion between intraoperative 3D ultrasound and preoperative MRI might improve the quality of the surgical procedure and hence also improve the patient outcome.