to add tremendous
clinical value, but Dr.
Skelley is already
looking forward to the
next phase of the
imaging evolution.
"It will become more
interactive — more
wearable and wireless
technology, 3D tem-
plating and imaging
software," he says. "I
think we're going to
get to a point where we have voice-control visualization technology
where surgeons can command systems to take a picture or brighten
an image — things like that."
He also cites augmented reality head-mounted displays with generat-
ed objects — 3D images of the patient's anatomy or vital signs, for
example — superimposed onto real-time images. (See "What Will the
Future of Surgery Look Like?" on page 28.) Although early iterations
of this technology have had underwhelming results, Dr. Skelley
expects future versions to offer greater clinical value.
Virtual reality (VR) helps young surgeons perfect their technique
outside the walls of the operating room. But will VR and augmented
reality (AR) soon have a greater presence inside the OR? "For intra-
operative purposes, VR might not be the best modality, but there's a
lot of interest in VR for the rehearsal space," says Dr. Barad.
Dr. Rimlawi believes the next imaging breakthroughs will involve
cameras with the ability to see through such anatomical structures as
the spine. He says such technology would give surgeons a full view of
J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 6 3
• COMFORT LEVEL Heads-up 3D displays let surgeons step out from behind surgi-
cal microscopes.
