3dMD, Atlanta, has added pioneers in the surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome Nelson B. Powell, MD, DDS, and Robert W. Riley, MD, MS, DDS, to the 3dMD sleep advisory team. Other members of the team are Stephen A. Schendel, MD, DDS, professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Stanford University Medical Center, and David Hatcher, DDS, MSc, an expert in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology.
 
"Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is pervasive in our society, with a prevalence of 24% in middle-aged men and 9% in middle-aged women. This population suffers decrements in quality of life and increased risks of morbidity and mortality which may be lessened through early diagnosis," Powell said. "3dMD's volumetric upper-airway imaging software has the potential to save lives through its application as an assessment tool bringing orthodontics and medicine closer together for the benefit of the millions of patients with OSA who remain undiagnosed. Our team is grateful to be involved with the development of 3dMD's software application." 

3dMD's software architecture uses the power of 3D image fusion for patient treatment planning and simulation. By building on rigorous anatomical and mathematical foundations, 3dMD has focused on making the analysis and planning process straightforward, promoting an efficient interactive communication between all members of the treatment team throughout the patient's treatment. Starting with a 3dMD image of the patient's face, the 3dMDvultus™ software enables users to generate a fused, anatomically accurate image of the patient, superimposing the internal anatomy from CT/CBCT/study models, do a full workup of the patient’s condition, plan various treatment scenarios, and then undertake a 3D visual simulation of likely outcomes.

"For obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, 3dMD has implemented a business formula that combines 3dMD's world-leading software-development skills with the pre-eminent foundation medical experience of Drs Powell, Riley, Hatcher, and myself," Schendel said. "This means as a team we have been able to deliver the first software module solution that incorporates state-of-the art clinical/dental practice."