An electromagnetic tracking implantation navigation system in dentistry with virtual calibration

摘要

Background: Dental implant placement navigation systems based on optical tracking have been widely used in clinics. However, electromagnetic (EM) navigation method that does not suffer from problems of hidden line-of-light has notyet been described. Methods: This work proposes an EM-guided navigation method named TianShu- ESNS with virtual calibration. Model (12 implants) and animal experiments (pig head: six implants) were conducted to evaluate its performance and stability. Result: The mean virtual calibration error was 0.83 ± 0.20 mm. The mean deviations at the entry point, end point and angle in the phantom experiment of TianShu-ESNS were 1.23 ± 0.17 mm, 1.59 ± 0.20 mm and 1.83 ± 0.27°, respectively. In the animal experiment, the same deviations were 1.25 ± 0.07 mm, 1.57 ± 0.35 mm and 1.90 ± 0.60°, respectively. Conclusions: The experimental results show that TianShu-ESNS with the virtual calibration method could serve as a promising tool to eliminate the line-of-light hidden problem and simplify operation procedure in dental implant placement.