What is Patient-Specific Surgical Planning Software?

The key benefits of patient-specific surgical planning software include the ability to explore a unique 3D anatomy without having to rely on standardized models, which helps to better understand the best approach for that individual. This method is particularly useful for complex individual cases, but can also be used with implant design software to virtually evaluate entire populations made up of patient image data without requiring physical testing. Virtual testing can therefore be a significant complement to traditional methods, by allowing for review and simulation of procedures without as much need for invasive, costly or time-intensive workflows.

In addition, patient-specific surgical planning can improve the efficiency of going from a diagnosis to a surgical plan by providing clinicians with more information and ways of visualizing and simulating potential outcomes. Confidence in decisions can thus be increased, while the ability to design and test personalized devices or implants, which can be further supported by 3D printing, means that more options can be explored for each patient.

Improved implant fit, assisted by simulation of movement and stresses, means that patients could potentially experience better long-term surgical outcomes. Similarly, for complex cases whereby visualizing abnormalities that need removing, 3D visualization, surgical simulation, and 3D printing, all help surgeons to measure and reduce risk ahead of a procedure, potentially saving time and reducing reliance on intraoperative imaging.

Patient-specific surgical planning software also has the benefit of improving communications with patients by visualizing their anatomy and talking them through a procedure, and for enhancing traditional surgical education through being able to test techniques with realistic anatomies. Depending on the particular surgical planning software, models and simulation outputs may be combined with other techniques in the operating room such as augmented reality, 3D printed cutting guides, and robotics, to help improve precision for better surgical outcomes, and reduce the risk of complications and the need for revision surgeries.

Patient-specific surgical planning software can work in many ways, but generally they receive 3D imaging of a patient’s anatomy, which is then processed to segment (extract regions of interest), generate measurements and statistics, and subject to filters and other image-based tools. The result is a 3D model that realistically captures the patient’s anatomy to the level of detail required for the workflow; for example, it may be necessary to capture the finer features of the cardiovascular system.

At this point, the 3D patient model may be combined with a CAD-designed implant or other device, to virtually experiment in placement and interaction ahead of surgery. Other simulation methods may involve determining the best route to remove a tumour or other foreign body, or to explore adjustments to bone or tissue to correct for injury, or for cosmetic reasons. The applications of patient-specific surgical planning can therefore vary considerably.

Models can then be used in different contexts, for example to 3D print a physical anatomical structure with or without a device to better visualize patient details before a procedure, or as an input for augmented or extended reality to achieve similar aims. These methods might also be applied to help surgeons within the operating room, for example to overlay a 3D model over an anatomy, or to create a 3D printed surgical guide that can help with making incisions.