Introduction to Mixed Reality within the Operating Room
The Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, was the stage for Philips to unveil a groundbreaking mixed reality concept. This progressive technology was developed in partnership with Microsoft for the operating room of the longer term. The concept combines Philips’ Azurion image-guided therapy platform with Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 holographic computing platform.
What the Technology Offers
The mixed reality concept allows wearers of the HoloLens 2 headset to access a virtual screen displaying data from the Azurion system in real-time during procedures. This signifies that medical professionals can view critical information without having to look away from the patient. The technology brings live imaging and other vital data right into a 3D holographic augmented reality environment. This environment might be easily controlled by the physician, making it more intuitive and ergonomic.
Benefits for Medical Professionals
According to Atul Gupta, chief medical officer for Image Guided Therapy at Philips, the transition to image-guided procedures has significantly improved patient outcomes and reduced costs. The Azurion platform integrates a variety of information sources in an intuitive way. By collaborating with Microsoft and HoloLens 2, Philips can take it to the following level, immersing the physician in a tailored augmented reality environment. This allows medical professionals to see the true world superimposed with live data and 3D medical imagery, guiding precision therapy.
The Power of Mixed Reality
Mixed reality is changing the way in which people interact with the digital and physical world. Alex Kipman, technical fellow at Microsoft, believes that mixed reality holds great potential in healthcare. The collaboration between Philips and Microsoft demonstrates how this potential is being realized. HoloLens 2, unveiled throughout the MWC, is a self-contained holographic computer that permits hands-free, heads-up interaction with three-dimensional digital objects.
The Azurion Platform
Since its global launch in 2017, the Azurion platform has been used to treat over half 1,000,000 patients in greater than 80 countries. The platform is powered by Philips’ proprietary ConnectOS, which mixes technical innovations in each software and hardware. ConnectOS allows for the mixing of advanced digital innovations on the Azurion platform, making it a strong tool for medical professionals.
Conclusion
The mixed reality concept developed by Philips and Microsoft has the potential to revolutionize the operating room. By providing medical professionals with a more intuitive and ergonomic solution to access critical information, this technology can improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. As mixed reality continues to evolve, it is going to be exciting to see the way it transforms the healthcare industry and beyond. With the Azurion platform and HoloLens 2, the longer term of medication is looking brighter than ever.
