Applications of Augmented Reality Surgical Simulation

Nobody can deny the fact that augmented reality surgical simulation is an indispensable tool in surgical training and helps physicians to increase the probability of success rate of surgeries.

Since it plays a vital role in minimally invasive surgical procedures, it is widely used in various sub surgical fields. Let’s unfold the applications of augmented reality surgical simulation in some crucial sub surgical fields.

Neurosurgery

Indeed, the augmented reality surgical simulation was first applied in the neurosurgical field. The proposed system resembles the character of augmented reality since the virtual elements are modeled like anatomical structures and spatially connected with the prospective patient’s anatomy. Since the virtual 3D anatomical images relate to a real patient’s anatomy, neurosurgeons are able to detect and dissolve the brain disorders.

Additionally, there is also a claim that augmented reality surgical simulation aids surgeons to rectify brain tumors. With the help of navigating 3D brain images superimposed on the prospective patient’s brain, surgeons are able to explore, detect the exact location of the tumor, and removed the abnormal mass tissue.

Before the introduction of augmented reality in the neurosurgical field, surgeons were performing surgeries with the help of 2D images on the screen, simultaneously looking at the prospective patient’s anatomy, which creates a hindrance to the surgical workflow.

Augmented Reality surgical simulation provides a solution with overlaying the virtual anatomical structures on the real-time anatomy of the prospective patient, boosting the skills of physicians and making them to work efficiently. Exactly,AR- Modern era of neurosurgery!

Orthopedic Surgery

As a significant fact, there are 31 studies and reports on the application of augmented reality in various subfields in orthopedic surgery such as instrument or implant surgery, osteotomy, Tumor treatment, and surgical training etc.

The study manifested that augmented reality surgical simulation saves time for physicians to outperform the surgery as well as reduces the life taking risk of patients. Also, proved that it is an incredible self-learning tool for novices, as it provides a cost-effective, safe learning environment for surgical training.

Moreover, there is a medical study revealed that augmented reality surgical simulation plays a vital role in the total replacement of the knee. The proposed system contains a unique device, the mechatronic arthroscope that allows the surgeons to exert a force without any defects, to navigate the knee joint with the help of integrated virtual images on the screen.

As the images are superimposed with the real patient’s anatomy, orthopedic surgeons were able to explore, examine the disorder and rectify it within a short span. Also, augmented reality orthopedic surgical simulation aids the chief residents in the exact placement of the intramedullary rod, resurfacing the cartilage, and evacuating the tumors etc.

Otolaryngology

There is a systematic study review according to PRISMA,(Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses) on evaluating the applications of augmented reality surgical simulation in surgeries for fixing the irregularities of the nose, ear, and throat.

Also, there are twenty-three articles published between the years 1997 and 2018. From these articles,18 stand-alone Augmented reality platforms were established. These augmented reality platforms aid the surgeons in minor injuries in the inner ear, minimally invasive surgical procedures related to the head and neck that involve laparoscopes, endoscopes, etc. Augmented reality surgical simulation is most commonly used for intraoperative guidance.

Moreover, augmented reality surgical simulation helps otolaryngologists in the diagnosis of nasal biopsy, endoscopic skull base surgery, orbital decompression (removal of bones and fat), and other foreign body removals. Since the technology easy to use, augmented reality simulation is a potential tool for ENT surgeons to explore, examine, and train on new surgical techniques. Also, it promotes confidence to the physicians to execute the surgeries successfully.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

The oral and maxillofacial surgical field is the most frequent application of augmented reality surgical simulation. Totally, there are 8 studies on the utilization of augmented reality surgical simulation in fixation of unevenness of bones on jaw, mouth, and face. Since the surgical field involves treating irregularities, physicians need a clear anatomical structure of the prospective patients to plan for surgeries. Sometimes the process may take time and fail to align the bones. Augmented reality paves the way for locating precise defect areas and removing the extra bones or tissues within a span.

Moreover, it also plays a vital role in dental implantation, orthognathic surgery involves remodeling the upper and lower jaw, and pre-prosthetic surgery that improves the health conditions of oral tissues.

Also, it aids in performing plastic and reconstructive surgeries. There is a claim that augmented reality surgical simulation is a simple and sophisticated surgical technique to use in plastic and reconstructive surgery. In this study, researchers utilized a high-quality digital camera to capture 3D images of facial structures and computed tomography scans to examine the defect of the prospective patients. These digital images are then simulated in a virtual environment. With the help of navigating virtual images, surgeons were able to do surgeries with precision.

I hope you got why the augmented reality surgical simulation is a rapidly growing surgical technique in various sub surgical fields.

If you’re interested to dive deep into exploring advancements in 3D Animations, including virtual reality and augmented reality, we are here to assist and drive you forward to reach your goal.