A semi-automatic computer-aided method for surgical template design

TL;DR

This paper introduces a semi-automatic, software-based framework for designing surgical templates that integrates multiple algorithms to streamline customization based on preoperative plans, applicable across various surgical procedures.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel integrated software tool, TemDesigner, that automates key steps in surgical template design, improving efficiency and versatility over traditional manual methods.

Findings

Successfully applied to multiple surgical template designs

Demonstrated efficiency and generality of the method

Enabled semi-automatic customization based on preoperative plans

Abstract

This paper presents a generalized integrated framework of semi-automatic surgical template design. Several algorithms were implemented including the mesh segmentation, offset surface generation, collision detection, ruled surface generation, etc., and a special software named TemDesigner was developed. With a simple user interface, a customized template can be semi- automatically designed according to the preoperative plan. Firstly, mesh segmentation with signed scalar of vertex is utilized to partition the inner surface from the input surface mesh based on the indicated point loop. Then, the offset surface of the inner surface is obtained through contouring the distance field of the inner surface, and segmented to generate the outer surface. Ruled surface is employed to connect inner and outer surfaces. Finally, drilling tubes are generated according to the preoperative plan through collision detection and merging. It has been applied to the template design for various kinds of surgeries, including oral implantology, cervical pedicle screw insertion, iliosacral screw insertion and osteotomy, demonstrating the efficiency, functionality and generality of our method.