Using neural networks to analyze cleft palate shapes
Neural Network to Calculate Morphology of the Cleft Palate to Reduce Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Burden.
This study is testing a new computer program that uses pictures to create 3D models of cleft palates in infants to make treatment planning easier and better for patients.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 450 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Basel) |
| Trial ID | NCT04342234 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to develop a neural network that computes the three-dimensional geometry of the cleft palate using standard intraoral photographs and palatal casts from infants with cleft lip and palate deformities. By analyzing data collected from patients treated at the University Hospital Basel, the study seeks to reduce the treatment burden associated with cleft lip and palate. The neural network will allow for the reconstruction of palatal shapes from single images, potentially streamlining treatment planning and improving patient outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are infants diagnosed with cleft lip and palate who have available plaster cast models and intraoral scans.
Not a fit: Patients with documented rejections or those without the necessary imaging and cast data may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the complexity and duration of treatment for infants with cleft lip and palate.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of neural networks in medical imaging is gaining traction, this specific application for cleft palate morphology is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with cleft lip and palate malformation with available routinely performed plaster cast model from palatal impressions, intraoral scans from the palate and corresponding images of the cleft palate (1970 till 2025) Exclusion Criteria: * Existence of a documented rejection
Where this trial is running
Basel
- Mund-, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie, Universitätsspital Basel — Basel, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Andreas Müller, PD Dr. med. Dr. med. dent. Dr. — Mund-, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie, Universitätsspital Basel
- Study coordinator: Benito Benitez, Dr. med. Dr. med. dent.
- Email: benito.benitez@usb.ch
- Phone: +41 61 556 52 85
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.