Holographic face models as planning tool in maxillofacial surgery
Mischkowski, R.A.; Bongartz, J.; Giel, D.; Frey, S.; Thelen, A.; Hering, P.
International Journal of Computerized Dentistry 7(4): 339-345
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 1463-4201 PMID: 16124502 Document Number: 582905
The holographic facial profile scan is a new technique for creation of high-resolution, three-dimensional, realistic facial computer models which can be used for surgical planning and documentation in maxillofacial surgery. First, a holographic image of the patient is recorded using a pulsed laser system. In a second step, called holographic tomography, the real image of the patient's hologram is reconstructed by means of a continuous-wave laser. By moving a screen through the real three-dimensional image, it is sliced into a series of two-dimensional projections which are captured with a digital camera. The slices containing the specific two-dimensional information are superimposed to a three-dimensional surface model using special software. The extremely short exposure time of 35 nanoseconds for taking a holographic image is separated from the time-consuming rendering process of the surface model; thus, the obtained models are not affected by the movements of the patient.