Augmented Reality in Today’s Operating Rooms

By: Eric M. Luyer, Senior Market Analyst

New Technologies Are Improving Surgical Efficiencies and Aiding in Education and Compliance 

In the past I have discussed the Internet of Things—specifically, the Internet of Medical Things. I explored how new technologies are being successfully used in healthcare by doctors or healthcare centers, providing more efficiency, ease of use and data collection to ultimately increase benefits for patients and staff.1 I’ve also written about wearables and how new technology items can be used on the wrist (e.g., e-watch), the head (e.g., special spectacles), or in implants or clothes, all for data information exchange.

An example I want to explore here is augmented reality and Google Glass. Various surgeons have already used Google Glass during operations. Sharing videos or images allows them to seek real-time assistance from other specialists who may be halfway across the world. They are able to receive instant feedback and provide input to improve efficiencies and results.  During operations, the augmented reality Heads-Up Display (HUD) can provide important images to surgeons, while allowing them to stay in close proximity to the patient.

“With a wearable device like Google Glass, the surgeon or physician is able to conduct an audio/visual recording [in] any part of the operating room, as well as the conversations between surgeons and operating assistants. This might be one of the major advantages,” said one of the leading surgeons in a major Dutch hospital. He sees this modern technology as a means to “connect all things together that we do individually in the room”.

To continue reading the full article in MedTech Intelligence, please click here.

 

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