Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR)—which integrate features of both AR and VR—are profoundly altering healthcare. Let’s explore these cutting-edge technologies through specific examples.
- Surgical Assistance: Surgeons increasingly use AR to superimpose MRI scans onto their operational field of view. Notably, surgeons at Johns Hopkins University conducted their first AR-assisted spinal fusion surgery in 2020.
- Pain Alleviation: VR provides an immersive distraction during painful procedures, thus mitigating stress and reducing opioid dependency. Specialized headsets isolate patients in calming virtual landscapes, steering their focus away from pain.
- Educational Advances: MR platforms like HoloAnatomy allow medical students to interact with holographic representations of human anatomy in great detail. This has implications for surgical training, as holograms could be employed in pre-operative planning.
- Clinical Support: AR aids healthcare providers by displaying real-time 3D data, virtually providing “X-ray-like insight” that simplifies complex cases. For instance, AR can guide nurses in identifying veins.
- Mental Wellness: VR and AR therapies are emerging as treatment options for mental health conditions like PTSD and anxiety. Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) has shown promise as a form of gradual exposure therapy in treating anxiety disorders.
- Telehealth: These technologies enhance remote consultations, thereby expanding healthcare access for those in remote or isolated regions. These tools also facilitate more accurate symptom reporting from patients.
As they mature, these augmented and virtual technologies are set to diversify their roles, elevating both patient care and medical capabilities. The integration of AR and VR into healthcare signifies a landmark advancement in medical technology.
As these technologies continue to make strides in the healthcare sector, the opportunities for innovation are vast. Are you or your company ready to participate in this transformative medical technology journey?
With deep expertise in life science R&D, Inite can guide you through this transformative journey.
References:
- Image Credit- https://builtin.com/healthcare-technology/augmented-virtual-reality-surgery
- https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/digital-health-center-excellence/augmented-reality-and-virtual-reality-medical-devices
- https://medicalfuturist.com/augmented-reality-in-healthcare-will-be-revolutionary/
- https://medicalfuturist.com/6-healthcare-examples-of-virtual-augmented-and-mixed-reality/
