AR in the OR: The Future of Surgery

Welcome back to another journey along The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Medicine. Today, we will explore an emerging field among the medical world: Surgical AR/MR Vision.

Recently, Apple unveiled and began mass production of the Apple Vision headset; a marvel of engineering that looks straight out of Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One. Intrigued, I looked into its capabilities as an AR(Augmented Reality) device, and discovered an article by Fortune that caught my eye:

Among other things, the article stressed the impact of Apple Vision Pro and other Augmented/Mixed Reality devices on medicinal education/training. But how does AR and MR help doctors practice and perform dangerous and complicated procedures?

AR and MR devices provide an immersive training experience by superimposing digital information onto the physical world. For medical trainees, this means they can interact with three-dimensional anatomical structures and simulate surgical procedures without the need for actual human bodies. This technology not only offers a safe and controlled environment for learning but also a dynamic one, where various scenarios can be programmed and practiced.

One of the most significant advantages is the ability to perform ‘virtual surgeries’. Trainees can experience the intricacies of surgical procedures, from basic incisions to complex operations, in a highly realistic, yet risk-free, digital environment. This practice is invaluable, as it allows future surgeons to hone their skills, understand human anatomy in greater depth, and gain confidence in their techniques before stepping into an actual operating room.

Furthermore, AR and MR technologies aid in enhancing precision and accuracy in surgical procedures. With real-time data and imaging directly visible within their field of vision, surgeons can perform delicate operations more efficiently. This aspect is crucial in surgeries that require high precision and where even a millimeter’s deviation can have significant consequences.

The use of AR in medical training also extends to collaborative learning. For instance, trainees across different locations can participate in interactive sessions where they can view and discuss the same virtual scenario in real-time. This not only broadens the scope of learning but also encourages a collaborative and integrated approach to medical education.

On the forefront of this field is Medivis, an emerging and innovative healthcare company specializing in AR and MR solutions for medicinal training and education.

Utilizing specially developed software and AR headsets such as the Apple Vision Pro, Medivis provides applications for doctors to view the inside of specific human organs, such as the brain/skull complex, through ultrasound and x-ray. This innovative approach enables a deeper understanding of complex anatomical details, allowing doctors to plan and navigate surgeries with unprecedented precision. The Medivis platform’s capability to overlay detailed, three-dimensional images over a patient’s actual anatomy offers a transformative perspective for surgical preparation. This integration of technology is especially beneficial in intricate neurosurgical procedures where every millimeter is critical. By providing a clear visualization of the brain and skull, surgeons can identify potential challenges and develop strategies to address them before making the first incision.

The advent of AR and MR devices like the Apple Vision Pro is revolutionizing surgery and medical training by providing 3D visualizations for unparalleled precision and immersive education experiences. This technological leap enhances surgical accuracy and reshapes how medical professionals learn and prepare.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this overview of AR and MR and its relation to the health sciences. Next time, we’ll delve into another exciting area of medicine. Until then, keep exploring and stay curious!