We are entering a time when more and more digital images are being introduced to the operating room to enhance surgical outcomes. At the Surgical Simulation Research Lab of the University of Alberta, we developed a technology to superimpose a 3-dimentional (3D) breast model on top of the surgical site to guide a breast reconstruction procedure.

The breast models were created from the patient′s magnetic resonance images. Our technician modified the breast model by taking data from pre-surgical scanning or from the healthy side of the breast. In the simulated environment, motion sensors were placed on the chest of the patient to capture the movements of the patient during the procedure, which were used to adjust the orientation of the 3D model to ensure a perfect mapping of the surgical site.

Visual guidance was successfully displayed on top of the surgical site. Motion tracking captured movements of the simulated patient and was used for adjusting the 3D model in a short period of time.

Feasibility test on this innovative technology is reported in this short paper. We expect the same technology can be applied to other reconstruction surgical procedures in the future.