Applications of Virtual Reality Surgical Simulation
Well, it’s a known fact that simulation paves the way for surgeons to explore, examine train on new surgical techniques. On the other hand, they are expensive and non-interactive. However, Virtual reality revolutionized simulation by easily accessible goggles with screens, fitted with sensors at an affordable price for surgeons.
Since it is available for every chief resident to use, there are diverse applications of virtual reality simulation in the surgical field. Virtual reality is popularized not only for its portable purpose but also it’s an effective learning tool in surgical training. Let’s unfold some critical applications of virtual reality simulation in various surgical fields.
Oral and maxillofacial surgery
As an exciting surprise, there are 101 articles based on the wide application of virtual reality in oral and maxillofacial surgery. One of the most common applications of virtual reality is dental implantology. With the help of virtual reality, dentists visualize, examine, and practice the dental surgeries with control over a clear-cut animated model. It aids practitioners to inject the dental implants with precision in a short time. This in turn promotes an increase in the probability of success rate of surgeries.
Moreover, virtual reality simulation is widely used in orthognathic surgery. Orthognathic surgery rectifies the unevenness of jawbones related to structure, growth, airway issues etc and enhances facial appearance. Can you guess approximately the number of facial surgeries done per year in your locality? In 2018, the American Society of plastic reported that 17.5 million facial surgeries were performed in that year. Obviously, demand for maxillofacial surgeries gradually increases per year.
Rapid development in the surgical field particularly Virtual reality plays a vital role in promoting beauty as well as improves the health of prospective patients. Also, allows an orthodontist to explore the exact issue confront by patients, quickly grabs the procedures, and makes them work efficiently towards their goal.
Orthopedic Surgery
There is a scientific study reveals that a virtual reality orthopedic surgical simulator is an incredible learning tool for surgeons to execute outperforming surgeries on musculoskeletal systems. Virtual Reality helps orthopedic surgeons to treat and diagnose the disorder of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. The simulator allows the physicians to use, operate and explore diverse surgical instruments and optimize their operation procedure for quick recovery of patients.
By using a virtual reality surgical simulator, complex orthopedic surgeries like arthroplasty, open osteotomy, fixation of ulnar fracture can be easily understood and practice by the users. Moreover, it enhances their technical as well as research skills.
Also, a specific study was conducted on the role of virtual reality orthopedic surgical simulation in performing dynamic hip screw surgery, fixation of trochanteric femoral fracture. Undoubtedly, with the virtual reality simulator surgeons performed well as they try numerous times in a three-dimensional virtual environment. Eventually, it minimizes the life taking risk of patients as well as provides a safe zone to train the surgeons.
Oncology surgery
Sadly, worldwide more than 80% of people with cancer need to undergo surgery, but only 25% of people have access to safe, affordable, and timely surgery. The most reasons for failure is due to the lack of well-trained surgeons, and the high cost to train novices. Fortunately, the advancements in 3D animations especially virtual reality drastically transformed surgical training better understandable and cost-effective.
Furthermore, there is a scientific study to back up this claim. In that study, customized commercially available virtual reality software and Oculus Rift hardware that allows the users to naturally interact such as multiple hand interaction with the 3D virtual environment. Even though it’s virtual, it evokes the feel of reality as surgeons interact with 3D animated bodies, a replica of human anatomy including blood vessels, veins, arteries, muscles, and tissues.
As a consequence, oncologist surgeons had a bird’s eye view on learning and practicing the procedure with clear-cut visuals. Successfully, novices are effectively trained with the aid of virtual reality surgical simulation within a nominal cost. Exactly, Virtual reality surgical simulation — Modern era of oncology surgery!
Cardiovascular surgery
There are numerous works of literature and papers that reveal the vital role of virtual reality surgical simulation in cardiovascular surgery. In early 1990, Brazilian Medical School used simulation as a teaching tool to explain about cardiopulmonary resuscitation, vascular accesses, video laparoscopy, anesthesia procedures, and techniques. Brazilian medical courses such as Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) were major factors that contribute to the reach of simulation in that locality.
In later 2009, the School of medicine of the University of São Paulo commenced a study center on Skills and Simulation laboratory, which offered classes on high fidelity simulation. They also established a new mixed laboratory with virtual reality simulation for demonstrating the surgery on pigs and training the surgeons on new surgery techniques. As a consequence, the use of virtual reality simulation in the cardiovascular surgery field progressively increases every year.
I hope you got a spotlight on the significance of virtual reality surgical simulators in the surgery field. If you’re interested in deep dive into 3D animated simulation, we are here to assist you and explore your way to reach your goal.
