Prof. Fernando Zarone
• Full professor of Prosthodontics and Dental Materials/Lab Technologies, head of the ward of Prosthodontics at the Dept. of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences at the University “Federico II” of Naples & director of SUDD (Scientific Unit of Digital Dentistry)
• His academic activity is accomplished in the Degree programs in Dentistry, Oral Hygiene, various Post-graduate, Master, PhD courses and in Continuing Education programs.
• He is an active member of various scientific societies, founding member of SIPRO (Italian Society of Prosthodontics and Oral Rehabilitation) and member of the Scientific Committee & Italian Ambassador of the Digital Dentistry Society.
• Author of relevant scientific publications, contributes as editor & reviewer to prestigious international scientific journals.
FOR MANY YEARS,
in his practice, Fernando Zarone has been using various advanced digital visualisation systems (3D visors for augmented and mixed reality and head-mounted visual displays) for both operative and didactic purposes. In this interview, we asked him some questions about these innovative systems
Prof. Zarone, how can these displays find proper utilisation in dentistry?
In my team, we have been using two different kinds of visors for some years with satisfaction and increasing enthusiasm, with different finalities. One typology is aimed at managing and displaying real-time video information incoming from medical imaging devices, such as surgical lamps with built-in cameras, stereomicroscopes, dynamic navigation systems in implant surgery, intraoral scanners and cameras, multi-parameter monitors, ultrasound scanners and many other medical instruments. I am talking about the FALKO system, using a very versatile visor.
What is FALKO aimed at?
It is an innovative head-mounted display installed on a dentist’s headset, provided with a flip-up system. It was studied and designed by Tecnomed Italia for the medical practice, defining an innovative approach to real-time visualisation and offering quality and safety of medical procedures. FALKO is an open system, supporting a wireless transmission and reception of HDMI video signal HD uncompressed. No IP setting is required, and no internet network is needed, so it works autonomously. Its main feature is that it can switch between two connected video sources or show both of them simultaneously in a picture-in-picture (PIP) window or side-by-side arrangement.
How do you use FALKO in your practice?
Having two simultaneously available video sources inside an immersive video device can be a must in many different situations. For example, we can have simultaneously displayed, side-by-side, both the intraoral scanner (or the implant dynamic navigation system) PC view and at the same time the patient’s mouth as framed by an extraoral camera, with the high ergonomic advantage of not looking away from the operative site. Or we can get the x-ray view as PIP during a surgical intervention. But what I find to be particularly interesting is the function of telecooperation, which means sharing the visor’s view operating in real time with colleagues, assistants or students. Moreover, FALKO can be provided with an optional microcamera named OKKIO mounted onto the visor; with it, it is possible to share the main operator’s POV with up to 300 people for distance teaching, telementoring or training. Finally, with an accessory called FALKONNECT, a second visor worn by another staff member, like an assistant, can be connected, adding another POV of the surgical field with the active PIP function.
So, it is possible to have multiple viewing angles of the operative field.
Yes, the assistant wearing the second visor can see what the first operator sees from their perspective, in addition to their own POV of the surgical field. In turn, the lead operator can see what the assistant surgeon sees from the assistant’s perspective. With such a dual configuration, a more ergonomic working setup and four-hand action are achieved.
Today, I use the FALKO system both in my university ward, with Prof. Roberto Sorrentino and all my team, and in my digitally updated dental office.
Is this system easy to use?
The FALKO system is provided with a precise ergonomic intra-pupil and dioptic setting to ensure the best visual and postural comfort. At the same time, a direct downward vision without obstacles is also allowed.
This possibility also eases and shortens the learning curve that, as for every new device, naturally is to be faced. In my opinion, this unit can be fruitfully employed in different fields like dentistry, maxillofacial surgery, aesthetic microsurgery, and many diagnostic and clinical applications in medicine.
“The exciting and innovative world of 3D holographic approach to distance teaching means an important step forward in the internationalisation of our schools.”
And the other visor typology?
I am talking about the exciting and innovative world of a 3D holographic approach to distance teaching, which means an important step forward in the internationalisation of our schools. Thanks to the precious collaboration of FIFTHINGENIUM, a group of talented engineers, we have recently experienced an innovative, exciting teaching system, based on the use of mixed reality. Fully holographic 3D representations of teeth, prostheses, implants, bone components and whatever else can be implemented in a new method of learning, discussing clinical cases and sharing treatment plans with colleagues at a distance. The system is based on an innovative learning platform introducing the thrilling concept of the augmented classroom, thanks to the use of 3D holographic lenses. Studying and manipulating the same 3D objects in real time can be accomplished by teachers, students and operators from around the world, in an immersive and interactive experience that in our lessons has had a terrific impact on our students’ appreciation.
