placement on the
abdomen during
laparoscopic proce-
dures based on pre-op
scans and imaging. In
addition, identifying
tissue vascularity
using indocyanine
green (ICG) dye along
with near infrared
(NIR) imaging will
likely move into the
visual plane of HMDs
in the future, with the imaging layered over the patient's real anatomy.
Surgeons who reference these intraoperative visuals can access a
trove of valuable information without turning away from the patient
because HMDs make it available in one frame of perspective.
• Building and buying previews. Architects are using VR to
immerse users in the experience of their planned construction proj-
ects. The platform constructs images of their work into a virtual space
that you can navigate in real space and time. This application works
for facilities that are looking to design new ORs. Instead of building
costly life-size mock-ups and bringing your staff to offsite design
spaces to test the pending construction, you can walk through the vir-
tual spaces and interact with the layout with much less time spent
away from work. Inevitable design changes as projects progress are
also easier and less expensive to make.
For everyone involved in designing any new space, the immersive
level of engagement is exciting, the feedback is immediate and the
decision-making is much more informed because virtual reality brings
4 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8
• COLLABORATIVE CONNECTION Virtual or augmented reality lets surgical teams
share info and knowledge in ways that make surgery more efficient and safer.
Indiana
University
Health
