Web-Based Surgical Simulation of Craniofacial CT Data

Abstract

The goal of this study was to represent medical two-dimensional (2-D) sectional images to three-dimensional (3-D) volumes over the Web using VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) and JavaScript. Furthermore, a virtual surgical operation with craniofacial CT data has been suggested. The mandible and Lefort I, II and III of maxilla in the CT volume were segmented and rendered to VRML polygonal surfaces by a marching cube algorithm, as well as a surface specified morphing route which animated the surgical procedures. An embedded user interface tool, with JavaScript routines, enabled the display, adjustment of transparencies and optional animated motion of 3-D models. The developed application has several advantages. First, the user can easily connect to this application on the Web and obtain intuitive information more efficiently. Secondly, the virtual surgical operation is simpler than osteotomy when using cephalometry or rapid prototyping. Finally, the doctor can simulate without restriction of the simulation times.