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Current Innovation: Augmented Reality (AR) in Surgery

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Current Innovation: Augmented Reality (AR) in Surgery

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Augmented reality (AR) technology allows digital images (like 3D reconstructions) to be overlaid onto the real-world view of a surgeon in the operating room. Unlike virtual reality, which replaces one’s environment entirely, AR blends virtual elements into the physical field of view. One surgeon, E. Bradley Strong had stated "Virtual reality replaces your real surroundings with a completely virtual environment, while augmented reality incorporates digital imagery within the real environment, extended reality is an umbrella term we like to use to describe them both” (Connolly, 2024). "Surgeons wear augmented reality goggles during surgery. They project 3D computed tomography (CT) and MRI scans that overlay critical information directly onto the surgeon's field of view. The goggles help the surgeon:

Plan the surgical approach

Visualize hidden vascular and bone structures

Localize instrumentation and implants

Project drilling and cutting guides" (Connolly, 2024).

AR is also being used to train medical students, residents, and fellows. It enables them to view internal anatomy and implant positioning in three dimensions (rather than just 2D textbook images), which can accelerate learning and insight.

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The future of surgery: Using augmented reality goggles in the operating room

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Otolaryngology surgeons are at the forefront of using augmented reality in surgeries. They are evaluating how this leading-edge technology can improve surgical procedures.

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This is a great video showing and explaining use of these AR goggles for surgery!

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Mixed Reality Goggles Guide Complex Surgeries |  UC Davis Health

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There are many pros/benefits from the use of AR in surgery, here are a few of the top ones:

1. Enhanced visualization of organs, bones, vessels, or tumors in 3D.

2. Improved accuracy and precision of cuts, drilling, or placement of implants.

3. Patients can actually view AR reconstructions of their anatomy and surgical plans, thus improving informed consent and helping to reduce anxiety about the procedure.

4. AR offers interactive 3D teaching for students and residents, that facilitates virtual practice on real anatomy before touching a patient.

5. Shorter surgery times with the use of AR aiding the surgeons in making decisions with real time raw data.

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Though there are many obvious benefits to the use of AR, like any new technology in health care, there are always cons that accompany. Here are a few:

1. High cost and accessibility- this type of technology can be very expensive and there is limited availability in lower resource/income hospitals or countries.

2. Accuracy and reliability of the technology. There could be issues such as- display lagging, image drift, poor resolution, or misalignment of the images which could affect accuracy.

3. There is a learning curve for using such new technology that has not been introduced or practiced with prior. Surgeons and staff require speciality training to use AR, which can slow the rate at which the technology is adopted and put into practice.

4. The use of the headset itself in terms of wearability and battery life. These headsets can be heavy or uncomfortable to wear after a while, or can have limited battery life seeing as they are so new, which could impact lengthier surgeries.

5. Lastly, there must be drawn into question that ethical and legal side of using such technology. What happens if the system were to malfunction mid surgery? Informed consent also must now include risks related to AR assisted procedures.

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I believe Augmented Reality (AR) could be a very groundbreaking technology to use in the medical field. After contemplating the pros versus the cons, I think the pros outweigh the cons. The overall goal in healthcare is always to reduce morbidity and mortality, the use of AR is another great way that could allow us to do so. It significantly enhances surgical precision, safety, and education, transforming both the patient experience and the surgeon’s effectiveness in a multitude of ways. It improves precision of the surgery and patient safety, yields better outcomes in complex procedures, enhances training and education for medical teams, and improves patient understanding and engagement in their health decisions. AR is not just the next flashy technology, it is a innovative tool that brings clarity to the most critical moments.

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My top 5 strengths are strategic, input, woo, ideation, and learner. These strengths together would help make for a good team lead, especially in environments that require innovation, relationship-building, and forward thinking.

1. Being strategic allows me to create alternative ways to proceed when others in the team may feel like there is no way forward.

2. Having input as a strength means that I like to collect and archive information, which in turn means I could share resources, recommend helpful tools, and encourage exploration of new ideas or methods for the team.

3. The strength of woo means to enjoy breaking the ice and making a connection with other people. This can be used to help boost morale and help people feel included and valued, as well as foster a high trusting environment.

4. Ideation strength means to be fascinated by new ideas, and to be able to find connections between seemingly disparate phenomena. Using ideation as a strength, I could encourage innovation and challenge the team to think differently.

5. Lastly is learner, which means to have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. Using this for the team could allow me to create an inspiring environment where it feels nonthreatening to not know everything, as long as they are willing to learn.

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When choosing my team, I tried to choose people with top strengths from categories that differed from my own in order to develop a well rounded team.

Meet the team:

1. Randall – Responsibility: Using his strength of responsibility, Randall would make a great team member because he would be dependable, honest, and loyal.

2. Alice – Achiever: Alice would be a great asset to the team in using her strength of achiever to bring a strong work ethic and motivation.

3. Amelia – Adaptability: Being adaptable can be very important when working in a group or team setting, Amelia would be a good team member for her capability to change and can shift gears easily, especially under pressure.

4. Matthew – Maximizer: Adding Matthew to the team with his strength of maximizer would be beneficial because he can focus on strengths in a way to stimulate personal and group growth, which would elevate the overall team performance.

5. Carter – Communication: Carter's strength of communication would help foster the group's overall efficiency by bringing clarity and enthusiasm onboard.