Computer-assisted medical research

Based on long time collaboration with surgeons from National Cheng Kung University Hospitals, this research series developed a generic medical image processing software package for oral and maxillofacial surgery, with clinical diagnosis of spinal lesions, pre-operative planning, and surgical aids.
Research items included:

  1. Computer-aided medical imaging software development－
    In this study, image processing and computer graphics technology were used to develop Medical Imaging Processing software with basic features including the capture of CT, X-ray, MRI and other medical images, 3D computer reconstruction models from tomography, simulations for bone cutting and removal, automated best symmetry plane search, symmetry value assessment, oblique tomography re-calibration, manual symmetry plane configuration, production of mirror symmetrical models, building implant profiles, etc. When combined with lithography, the software produces planning 3D skull models. In 2004, our symmetry criterion set was awarded an invention patent in the Republic of China. The 3D voxel mask is applied relative to the plane of correspondence to find best craniofacial bone surface symmetry, and the results can be used for evaluation in surgical planning and image skew correction.
  2. Computer-Aided Clinical Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery－
    Data obtained from diagnostic imaging and the reconstruction plan are used to build an instant oral and maxillofacial surgery navigation system. In addition, optical tracking systems and advanced plaster casting model surgical techniques are used in 3D models to simultaneously provide doctors with accurate occlusion and post-operative bone appearance information, with symmetry analysis offering quantitative data on oral and maxillofacial skeletal symmetry, thus facilitating planning for optimal post-surgical aesthetics and occlusions. This study was conducted in cooperation with Dr. Tung-Yiu Wong, chairman of the Oral Medicine Institute at National Cheng Kung University Hospital.
  3. Computer-Assisted Image-guided Surgical Training－
    Using pairs of x-rays from cases of spinal fixation device use to correct scoliosis or bone spur removal, we designed an x-ray positioning system to help train interns and residents in Pediclevertebral positioning. This study was conducted in cooperation with Dr. Rui-Mo Lin, Orthopedics department of National Cheng Kung University Hospital (Dean of National Cheng Kung University Hospital Touliu Branch).
  4. Pedicle Screw Fixation on Vertebra and Auxiliary Positioning System－
    This study proposes to combine geometric methods, medical anatomy theory, and doctors’ clinical experience to improve accurately placing pedicle screw by a guiding block for spinal surgery. The assisted positioning system uses two orthogonal G-arm x-ray images with registered fixtures and an optical tracking system to improve analysis and post-operative results prediction, reduce surgical risks, and raise surgical success rates. This study was conducted in cooperation with Dr. Rui-Mo Lin in Orthopedics department, National Cheng Kung University Hospital (Dean of National Cheng Kung Hospital Touliu Branch).
  5. Development of movement-tracking occlusion analysis－
    In mind of the accuracy requirements of dental occlusion tracking, we developed a practical optical tracking system using infrared to capture jaw movement trajectories during opening and closing, recording the movement on the lateral sagittal plane which can then be used to generate a dynamic 3D visualization movement. Static and dynamic analysis tools are provided to analyze the complexity of the human bite process, rendering individual occlusal surface to assist dental implants procedure in an automated and scientific method. This study was conducted in cooperation with Dr. Tung-Yiu Wong, director of Oral Medicine Institute, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, and Dr. Ching-Hung Chung.
  6. Implant planning and surgical guide stent for dental implantology－
    Base on a scanned image, an expert system automatically searches patients in 3D space for safe implant areas, thus raising the success rate of implant procedures, and lowering the risk of failure by restricting the implant location search field. This study was conducted with the cooperation with Dr. Ching-Hung Chung of the National Cheng Kung University Hospital Department of Dentistry.