Introduction to Virtual and Augmented Reality in Healthcare
Morris Panner is President of Intelerad, a worldwide leader in medical image management solutions. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have been making waves within the tech world for many years, but their applications extend far beyond the gaming industry. In recent years, these technologies have been making progressive inroads within the healthcare sector, particularly in the sector of radiology.
Different Realities, Different Applications
First, let’s make clear what each of those terms means. Virtual reality uses a mix of software and hardware to immerse users in a simulated world. Augmented reality, then again, superimposes virtual objects onto the actual environment. Mixed reality (MR) is a hybrid of each, allowing the actual and simulated worlds to interact in real time. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize the best way medical professionals train, diagnose, and treat patients.
Virtual Reality
Using VR, surgeons can practice procedures upfront, on the actual patient, virtually. This may be especially useful for complex operations where every detail counts. By utilizing the patient’s own medical images, VR might help surgeons prepare for procedures and reduce the danger of complications.
Augmented Reality
AR may be used along side medical imaging to help with the preparation of procedures. For example, algorithms can interpret CT data right into a 3-D map, allowing doctors to explore and manipulate images in a more interactive way. This generally is a powerful tool for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Mixed Reality
MR is getting used to bring patient images to life, allowing doctors to literally walk around realistic 3-D images of a patient’s anatomy. This generally is a helpful tool for colleagues discussing a procedure or for a physician consulting with a patient.
Applications in Radiology
Radiology has long been a guiding light for surgeons, providing critical medical imaging to tell diagnosis and treatment. VR and AR are actually getting used to reinforce this process, allowing doctors to view and interact with medical images in a more immersive and interactive way. Companies like Brainlab are developing MR viewers that bring patient images off the pc screen and into life, allowing doctors to explore and manipulate images in 3-D.
A Safe Way to Train New Doctors
Medical students can even use these technologies to practice procedures more steadily. VR simulators can provide trainees with the physical sensations of using instruments and feeling body tissue while performing a virtual surgery on a virtual patient. This generally is a secure and effective solution to train recent doctors, especially in under-resourced areas where access to qualified teachers could also be limited.
Interventional Radiology
AR and MR are also getting used to reinforce interventional radiology, the strategy of using medical imaging to guide real-time procedures reminiscent of biopsies and angioplasties. By displaying medical imaging in actual three-dimensional space during procedures, doctors can enhance guidance and improve outcomes.
A Multidimensional Future
As VR and AR proceed to evolve, they’re prone to grow to be increasingly integrated into the world of radiology. From interactive consults on MRI results to on a regular basis surgical procedures performed alongside real-time 3-D renderings, these technologies have the potential to revolutionize the best way medical professionals work. For patients, this implies higher diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. For doctors, it means a more immersive and interactive solution to understand the human body.
Conclusion
The way forward for radiology is multidimensional, and VR and AR are leading the best way. As these technologies proceed to evolve, we will expect to see recent and progressive applications within the healthcare sector. From training recent doctors to enhancing interventional radiology, the potential of VR and AR is vast and exciting. As we glance to the longer term, one thing is evident: the mixing of VR and AR into radiology is a game-changer, and it’s here to remain.
