MIMICS AS LINK TO NAVIGATION SYSTEMS:

In Mimics you can create a 3D model of an anatomical structure, let’s take the example of a skull. In Mimics you can also reconstruct the skull, to correct the defect, cut through the reconstructed skull slice by slice and export the new slices as images. These images can be imported again by Mimics and exported in DICOM files. This way, you get access to post operative images, even before the surgery has been done. These post operative DICOM images can be used in Navigation systems.

How is it used?

During the surgery, the surgeon does a tissue registration (soft tissue in case of CMF, bone in case of hip/knee surgery). Basically this is collecting point cloud data from the patient’s tissue and aligning the CT scan with the actual position of the patient. Whatever tool the surgeon uses, shows up in the navigation.

Why using “simulated” post CT images with Navigation?

• The doctor knows where exactly the bone has to be moved. It is used as a reference of what he wants to achieve.
• The doctor can confirm the alignment after surgery