Israel performs first-ever augmented reality, 3D eye socket surgery
“The innovative technology utilizing a 3D printer and augmented reality resulted in a both a particularly accurate execution of the operation, and a significant reduction in time.”
By Maayan Jaffe-Hoffman, Jerusalem Post, January 1, 2021
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Surgeons are seen examining a model skull ahead of eye surgery using AR technology.
(photo credit: ROEY BELHANAS/DENTAL PRO VIDEO) |
“The future is already here,” according to Prof. Masad Barhoumm,
director-general of Galilee Medical Center, after a team of Israeli
doctors from his medical center successfully completed the first-ever
repair of a fracture in the floor of an eye socket using augmented
reality (AR) and three-dimensional technology.
The
surgery, which was performed on a 31-year-old resident of the Galilee,
was led by Prof. Samer Srouji of Galilee Medical Center’s Center for
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in partnership with doctors from Sheba
Medical Center, Tel Hashomer.
The patient had been severely injured in his face, fracturing his left
eye socket, resulting in double vision and impairing the aesthetics and
symmetry of his eyes.
“The
innovative technology utilizing a 3D printer and augmented reality
resulted in both a particularly accurate execution of the operation, and
a significant reduction in time,” said Srouji.
To perform the surgery,
the medical center designed a plate according to the patient’s
computerized tomography (CT) scan. The plate accurately reproduced the
shape of the floor of the eye socket, according to the “projection” of
the healthy side on the injured side, through use of software to build a
three-dimensional model of his skull.
The
plate was printed on titanium and prepared for insertion. To accurately
position it under the patient’s eye, doctors used AR.
One of the doctors wore Microsoft “HoloLens” glasses that were
connected to the computer software containing the patient’s models –
both the skull and the plate design. The model was virtually and
accurately placed over the patient’s head through the glasses, which
enabled the surgeon to place the plate in place correctly in real time.
Microsoft
describes its HoloLens glasses on its website as providing “the most
comfortable and immersive mixed reality experience available, with
industry-leading solutions that deliver value in minutes – all enhanced
by the reliability, security, and scalability of cloud and AI services
from Microsoft.”
While
wearing the glasses, users can see intricate details on 3D images
easily and comfortably and touch, grasp and move holograms in ways that
feel natural. The holograms respond like real objects, the website
describes.
The eye
surgery only took an hour-and-a-half. Following recovery of several
days, the patient was released home. His CT scans showed that the plate
was placed accurately and optimally.
Galilee
Medical Center’s 3D Point of Care unit has been developing in recent
years, Srouji said. He noted that in the past year, despite the novel
coronavirus, the unit has stepped up its efforts, collaborating closely
with Sheba to promote the use and implementation of 3D technologies in
all types of surgeries.
Some of Sheba’s AR technology was transferred to the north to support the medical center’s efforts in this particular surgery.
“This technology will contribute to improved clinical outcomes and reduce repeated imaging and surgeries,” Prof. Srouji said.
“I
congratulate Prof. Srouji and the department’s team on a
first-of-its-kind operation in the world,” Barhoum added, “which fills
us with great pride.”
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| I performed surgery on a Sabre Tooth Tigers skull with my club after he tried to bite me! |
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