Abstract

A mastectomy surgery is the removal of breast tissue in an operation, typically as a treatment or a method of prevention for breast cancer. The loss of breasts can have a negative impact on the patient's body image, therefore in some cases a reconstruction surgery is done in order to restore the lost shape and volume with the use of silicone breast implants. In cases where only one breast is removed, retrieving the lost symmetry is also of high importance. Unfortunately, over 20% of the cases do not end up with a satisfying result. [1]
In this dissertation, we first studied the use of augmented reality (AR) in surgery planning before reconstruction surgery. To do this we developed an app for Microsoft HoloLens that allows the users to go through implant models as AR objects. In a preliminary study we assessed the usefulness of AR for decision making, as well as users' abilities to adapt to the AR environment.
In addition, we investigated the potential of using FEM to model breast and implant deformation to improve the decision-making process in reconstruction surgery. In order to do this, we designed a system that can choose the best match in terms of shape for the patient based on 3D models generated from pre-surgery MR images. A user study with 7 users was performed to assess the choices made by the proposed system and determine if it is capable of making the same decisions as human users.
The results of our experiments show the e_ectiveness of AR, as well as the potential of our proposed system, in improving the e_ciency of the decision-making process. AR is capable of providing better visualization, while our system is able to decrease the number of options that need to be considered when planning for reconstruction surgery.
The results of this thesis suggest that computerized decision-making tools in breast reconstruction surgery can improve clinical decision-making, as well as reduce costs associated with this surgery.