Florian Thieringer

Biography

Florian M. Thieringer is an Oral- and Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgeon and a Medical 3D Expert, with focus on Tumor-, Trauma-, Reconstructive- and Orthognathic Surgery, located at the University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Switzerland.

FMT is Chair and Full Professor of Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery at the University Hospital Basel and the Head of the Medical Additive Manufacturing Research Group (Swiss MAM) at the University of Basel's Department of Biomedical Engineering (UNIBAS DBE).

He is an internationally recognized expert for computer assisted surgery (CAS) and medical additive manufacturing, extensively exploring and promoting the integration of virtual surgical planning, 3D printing and other innovative technologies at the point-of-care (POC) – like additive manufacturing of patient specific implants (PSI) in various (bio-) materials, including bioprinting & regenerative surgery. Thieringer is editor-in-chief of the journal Craniomaxillofacial Trauma and Reconstruction and a member of several international expert panels and committees.

Since 2016 Florian Thieringer is Co-Director of the multidisciplinary 3D Print Lab at the University Hospital of Basel. Since 2020 he is Co-Principal Investigator of the innovative MIRACLE 2 project (Minimally Invasive Robot-Assisted Computer-guided LaserosteotomE). This 12 Mio Swiss Francs research project, funded by the Werner Siemens Foundation, aims to develop a robotic endoscope to perform contact-free bone surgery with laser light. Perfectly fitting patient-specific implants will be designed in AR/VR and will be produced by intra- and extracorporal 3D printing.

He is co-applicant and since 2021 in the steering committee of the University Hospital Basel flagship project "Innovation Focus Regenerative Surgery".

TItle

Transforming Faces, Transforming Futures: The Power of AI and 3D Technologies in Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery

Abstract

Keywords: Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, 3D Imaging, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, MR, Intraoperative Navigation, Implant Design, 3D Printing, Robotics, Laser Osteotomy

Oral and cranio-maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) has long been a highly specialized cornerstone for a wide range of surgical procedures in the head and neck region, with a high demand for interdisciplinary work. The complex anatomy, but also the demand for aesthetic, functional, and durable results, has traditionally been a challenge for surgical planning, precise implant placement, minimally invasive osteotomy, and regenerative procedures. Still, it is also a great opportunity for this discipline. For this reason, OMFS has become a pioneer in implementing innovative technologies. These innovations offer unprecedented opportunities to address these challenges. This lecture aims to explain the transformative impact of new technologies on cranio-maxillofacial surgical practice, patient outcomes, and the wider healthcare landscape.

Learning Objectives

Drawing upon extensive research and clinical application, this lecture will explore the role of various technologies such as 3D imaging, augmented and virtual reality, intraoperative navigation systems, (semi-)automatic implant and guide design, 3D printing of patient-specific implants, robotics, and laser osteotomy.

1. 3D Imaging and Virtual Planning: These technologies offer revolutionary advancements in pre-surgical planning, substantially reducing operative time and improving accuracy.

2. Augmented, Virtual, and Mixed Reality: Enhanced real-time intraoperative visualization and surgical navigation reduce the margin of error and increase procedural safety.

3. Implant and Guide Design: The development of semi-automatic computational algorithms for implant and guide design has streamlined the customization process, leading to implants that are tailored to the unique anatomical structures of individual patients.

4. 3D Printing: Point-of-care 3D printing enables rapid, onsite production of patient-specific implants, cutting costs and wait times.

5. Robotics and Laser Osteotomy: These advanced technologies provide unprecedented precision in complex osteotomies, reducing invasiveness and improving outcomes.

Incorporating emerging technologies into cranio-maxillofacial surgery is revolutionizing the field at an accelerated pace. The utilization of these technologies not only augments the capabilities of the surgeon but also significantly enhances patient outcomes. These advances are poised to redefine the future of cranio-maxillofacial surgery, setting new standards in patient care and medical practice. The lecture will serve as an essential guide for clinicians, researchers, and healthcare policymakers interested in understanding the transformative potential of technology in Cranio-maxillofacial surgery. It will offer a comprehensive overview of current trends, research, and future directions, thereby shaping the discourse for subsequent technological implementations in this critical field of medicine.