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Evaluation of Mixed Reality for Burn Margin Visualization and Surgical Planning
Christopher J. Fedor, MS*; Griffin J. Hurt, BPhil*; Edward G. Andrews, MD; Jacob Biehl, PhD; Francesco M. Egro, MD, MSc, MRCS
*Equal contribution
University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine
2025-01-02
Presenter: Christopher J. Fedor
Affidavit:
I agree.
Director Name: Vu Nguyen
Author Category: Medical Student
Presentation Category: Basic Science Research
Abstract Category: General Reconstruction
PURPOSE:
Mixed reality (MR) merges virtual content with the physical world, providing novel visualization opportunities, especially in medicine. In burn surgery, excision and grafting are standard for deep partial and full-thickness burns, but identifying excision margins is challenging. Recent advancements in imaging techniques aid surgeons in delineating burn margins. This study presents a novel MR application for burn surgery by developing a system that overlays deep burn margins onto a simulated anatomical surface for surgeon tracing.
METHODS:
Three burn surgeons traced MR-overlayed margins on a printed burn image using two MR headsets: one see-through (STh) and one pass-through (PTh). A control group was included, where surgeons drew margins while referencing an image of the overlays on an external monitor. Image tracking utilized native libraries and three QR code markers positioned on the page. Accuracy was assessed using intersection over union (IOU) against ground truth data. Trace precision was also measured post-alignment via iterative closest point (ICP).
RESULTS:
Raw traces yielded average IOU: control (0.718), PTh headset (0.501), STh headset (0.187). After ICP alignment, PTh had the highest IOU (0.797), followed by STh (0.770), both surpassing control (0.763) in precision.
CONCLUSION:
MR enables more precise marking of burn margins than monitors alone, highlighting the importance of accurate image tracking for surgical planning. Improved imaging and MR visualization may reduce skin graft needs and enhance patient outcomes.
