The development of technology can be seen in various industries around the world, including the medical field. Augmented reality (AR) is a relatively new field that’s been embraced in the medical community and is being used to enhance surgical precision, as well as to provide training.
AR paired with 3D imaging and tracking can provide doctors with the ability to visualize a patient’s anatomy in a more detailed way, which can help increase surgical precision, accuracy, and safety. To help doctors to keep complex procedures from becoming overwhelming, AR technology offers overlays highlighting important anatomical data. Additionally, it can be used in training for new surgical procedures, allowing doctors to quickly and easily walk through the marked steps before performing on a patient.
One example of AR being utilized in surgery is in the cataract surgery process. By utilizing 3D imaging and tracking, doctors are able to “see through” the eyes, helping them to better visualize the cataracts. With this technology, doctors are able to “zoom in” or “zoom out” on the image being viewed in order to make sure that they are accurately targeting the cataract with the lens.
Another example is in robotic surgery, where AR technology is used in conjunction with robotics to provide doctors with a much higher level of precision and accuracy. In robotic surgery, the surgeon must use haptics (virtual hands) to control the operation. By using AR technology, the surgeon can have a clear view of the procedure and move the manipulation arms more precisely. In addition, the AR technology can provide the surgeon with more detailed information regarding the location and structure of body parts, helping to reduce risk and improve accuracy during the procedure.
Through the development and implementation of AR technology, surgeons can benefit from enhanced precision and accuracy in medical procedures. The accuracy of robotic surgery techniques can also be improved, resulting in better patient outcomes. In addition, AR has served as a great tool for medical training, making it easier for doctors to learn and practice procedures. The advantages of AR in the medical field are clear, and its application is likely to become increasingly more commonplace as it continues to be developed.
