[Digitalization and use of artificial intelligence in microvascular reconstructive facial surgery].

BACKGROUND

When using digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI), large amounts of data (big data) are produced, which can be processed by computers and used in the field of microvascular-reconstructive craniomaxillofacial surgery (CMFS).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this article is to summarize current applications of digitalized medicine and AI in microvascular reconstructive CMFS.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Review of frequent applications of digital medicine for microvascular CMFS reconstruction, focusing on digital planning, navigation, robotics and potential applications with AI.

RESULTS

The broadest utilization of medical digitalization is in the virtual planning of microvascular transplants, individualized implants and template-guided reconstruction. Navigation is commonly used for ablative tumor surgery but less frequently in reconstructions. Robotics are mainly employed in the transoral approach for tumor surgery of the hypopharynx, whereas the use of AI is still limited even if possible applications would be automated virtual planning and monitoring systems.

CONCLUSION

The use of digitalized methods and AI are adjuncts to microvascular reconstruction. Automatization approaches and simplification of technologies will provide such applications to a broader clientele in the future; however, in CMFS, robotic-assisted resections and automated flap monitoring are not yet the standard of care.