VR and AR gather X-rays, CT and MRI images, and construct 3D vir-
tual displays that surgeons can explore through head-mounted
devices (HMDs). AR adds data — pre-op images and vital signs, for
example — to a surgeon's plane of vision, making the perspective par-
tially artificial. VR, on the other hand, is entirely artificial. Users don
goggles and visually step into another perspective that isn't based on
what's actually around them. In other words, augmented reality adds
to live visuals. Virtual reality creates them.
Some say AR and VR could distract surgeons, but I say surgeons
who don't have to look up at several surgical monitors are better able
to focus on the task at hand. That's not the only advantage these tech-
nologies offer.
• Pre-op planning. AR systems are using HMDs to project anatomical
images into real space and augment the wearer's reality to show an inter-
active view of patients. Physicians can examine holographic projections
of real bodies in any space, so long as they're wearing proprietary gog-
gles, and they can interact with the imaging right before their eyes. The
integrated anatomical model they see can be contrived from multiple
imaging sources. These innovations are helping surgeons with pre-opera-
tive planning; they can plot the most effective surgical route around or to
anatomy that might not be visible with conventional surgical imaging.
Plus, they can consult with other providers who don the same devices.
• Transformative surgical views. Surgeons can also use HMDs dur-
ing surgery to enhance visuals of anatomical structures. Companies
have developed — and are working to standardize — software that
lets providers wearing HMDs see generated images of tumors in
patients' bodies. The idea is that the surgeon will be able to pinpoint
exactly where cancerous growths lie beneath the surface and perform
targeted, tissue-sparing surgery.
• Intraoperative mapping. Other AR apps project optimal port
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