Development of Three-dimensional Deep Learning for Automatic Design of Skull Implants

Development of Three-dimensional Deep Learning for Automatic Design of Skull Implants

This project aims to develop an effective deep learning system to generate numerical implant geometry based on 3D defective skull models from CT scans. This technique is beneficial for the design of implants to repair skull defects above the Frankfort horizontal plane.

Designing a personalized implant to restore the protective and aesthetic functions of the patient's skull is challenging. The skull defects may be caused by trauma, congenital malformation, infection, and iatrogenic treatments such as decompressive craniectomy, plastic surgery, and tumor resection. The project aims to develop a deep learning system with 3D shape reconstruction capabilities. The system will meet the requirement of designing high-resolution 3D implant numerical models efficiently.

A collection of skull images were used for training the deep learning system. Defective models in the datasets were created by numerically masking areas of intact 3D skull models. The final implant design should be verified by neurosurgeons using 3D printed models.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Scheduled for cranioplasty
2. Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

(1)No informed consent