Open AccessTowards a bimodal proximity sensor for in situ neurovascular bundle detection during dental implant surgery
Author(s) -
Jessie R. Weber,
François Baribeau,
P. Grenier,
Frédéric Émond,
S. Dubois,
François Duchesne,
Martine Girard,
Timothy D. Pope,
Peter Gallant,
Ozzy Mermut,
Hassan G. Moghadam
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
biomedical optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.362
H-Index - 86
ISSN - 2156-7085
DOI - 10.1364/boe.5.000016
Subject(s) - neurovascular bundle , optical coherence tomography , bundle , materials science , biomedical engineering , ranging , imaging phantom , medicine , anatomy , radiology , computer science , telecommunications , composite material
Proof of concept results are presented towards an in situ bimodal proximity sensor for neurovascular bundle detection during dental implant surgery using combined near infrared absorption (NIR) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) techniques. These modalities are shown to have different sensitivity to the proximity of optical contrast from neurovascular bundles. NIR AC and DC signals from the pulsing of an artery enable qualitative ranging of the bundle in the millimeter range, with best sensitivity around 0.5-3mm distance in a custom phantom setup. OCT provides structural mapping of the neurovascular bundle at sub-millimeter distances in an ex vivo human jaw bone. Combining the two techniques suggests a novel ranging system for the surgeon that could be implemented in a "smart drill." The proximity to the neurovascular bundle can be tracked in real time in the range of a few millimeters with NIR signals, after which higher resolution imaging OCT to provide finer ranging in the sub-millimeter distances.