Augmented Reality Is Already Changing Healthcare For The Better

June 6, 2023 Augmented Reality, Health Care, Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Spine

Augmedics-Xvision_V4.00_01_14_12.Still002-1536x864

Augmented reality (AR) has quickly made inroads in healthcare. In 2020, doctors performed the first-ever spine surgery using an AR, head-mounted display. A 78-year-old patient was suffering degenerative spine disease that required lumbar decompression and the insertion of several screws. Surgeons wore the FDA-approved AR headset to visualize the patient’s CT scan as they operated and placed the implants with 100% accuracy.

Since then, neurosurgeons have used AR for hundreds of surgeries. It’s even been speculated that all surgeries could be performed with AR. As opposed to virtual reality (VR) technology, AR superimposes computer imagery on the real world, through AR glasses or other headsets, allowing healthcare providers and their patients to visualize information as it’s applied in actual healthcare situations. This allows for greater efficiency, accuracy, personalization and overall better (and safer) care.

Augmented reality and its companion innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), are already revolutionizing healthcare delivery, from the operating room to the doctor’s office to medical school.

AR Surgery

Surgeons wear AR headsets as they operate, allowing them to see information, such as patient imagery without turning away from their critical task. With the addition of cameras and AI software, surgeons and their AR/AI solutions can see what’s going on inside a patient, process vast amounts of data to interpret it and return on-the-fly diagnoses or procedural suggestions right in the AR headset.

Medical Visualization

In addition, solution providers have developed AR tools that allow healthcare providers to superimpose visuals on patients that help deliver safer care beyond the OR. For example, when administering medicine, nursing staff can view an overlay of a body’s vein structure to more easily identify the right vein and obviate the sometimes painful process of trial and error.

Patient Education

Healthcare, especially surgery, can be unnerving for patients. Using AR, doctors can help patients visualize how their bodies work, how a particular condition might affect their health and even understand what specifically will happen during a procedure. With AI, such visualization can take into account a patient’s particular health data to personalize the experience for their situation.

By Ari Grobman | Forbes

Image Credit Augmedics

READ MORE

About Peter Coffaro 506 Articles

Peter Coffaro is a growth-driven and strategic executive with over 25 years of progressive management success in the medical device industry. With a proven track record and recognized expertise, Peter has established himself as one of the top influencers in medical sales, as acknowledged by prestigious publications such as the World Journal of Orthopedics, Exponential Healthtech, and MedReps.com. Throughout his career, Peter has accumulated 10 years of combined sales management experience, excelling in various roles including Director, General Manager, Distributor, and Vice President. He has worked for industry-leading orthopedic companies such as Zimmer, DePuy, and Stryker, solidifying his deep knowledge and network within the field. Peter’s passion for innovation and emerging technologies led him to found OrthoFeed, an award-winning blog covering digital orthopedic news and emerging medical technologies. Through this platform, he stays at the forefront of the industry and contributes to the dissemination of valuable insights. Peter is a three-time Hall of Fame award winner at Johnson and Johnson, demonstrating his exceptional contributions and impact on the organization. His expertise extends to areas such as organizational development, business development, sales management, digital marketing, and professional education. Peter earned a B.S. degree in Biology and Chemistry from Northern Illinois University, further complementing his comprehensive understanding of the medical field. With his wealth of experience, strategic mindset, and dedication to advancing healthcare, Peter Coffaro is a valuable asset and leader in the medical device industry.