First surgery in 3D glasses has been performed

A group of researchers specializing in plastic surgery have developed a unique augmented reality system. Due to this development, surgery results can be modeled in a three-dimensional plane for the first time ever. This is especially relevant for face contour restoration surgical procedures. This outstanding discovery has been reported in the official publication of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Researchers Koichi Ueda, Daisuke Mitsuno, and their colleagues at the Osaka Medical College in Japan report several successful surgeries conducted using augmented reality technology.

Combining the image on the screen with the real object is a special feature of this technology. This is how the examination in plastic surgery is carried out:

• First, the examiners use a camera with high digital resolution and computed tomography to capture a three-dimensional image of the face surface.
• Next, the digital data about the patient’s facial structure is processed and a virtual 3D model of ideal post-surgery results is created.
• Finally, the simulated results obtained are used during the surgery, and the surgeon conducts procedures wearing 3D-reality glasses.

One of the first surgeries was carried out to reconstruct a broken cheekbone. To model and restore it in 3D-reality, images of the intact bone from the opposite side were used.

Using a pair of virtual reality "smart" glasses, the surgeon imposes a three-dimensional digital image of the future result on the patient’s face during the surgery.

The researchers believe that VR technology in the healthcare industry is becoming a very effective instrument, used to teach and improve surgical skills.

Virtual reality glasses in surgery

3D technology has been successfully used not only for face contour modeling but also for complex surgery. In particular, unique augmented reality 3D glasses were created by the Novarad Corporation, a leader in medical software development. The system, code-named OpenSight, which uses innovative Microsoft HoloLens lenses, was created to conduct detailed patient examinations, ensuring increased surgery accuracy and success.

Dr. Wendell Gibby, a neuroradiologist and Novarad general manager, headed this development. An automated lumbar discectomy was the first procedure conducted using this technology after its introduction. Due to this surgery, doctors eliminated the pain in the patient’s back and leg which was caused by a herniated disc. Dr. Gibby noted this newest technology as very convenient. Similar surgeries had ever been conducted before.

The Novarad Company has been offering unique technological solutions and their complete support for more than 20 years. The corporation is constantly improving their product standards, offering flexible, customizable image processing solutions to medical centers.

VR technology: further perspectives for the healthcare industry

The OpenSight software has proven useful for complex surgical procedures. The HoloLens technology allows surgeons to conduct surgical operations, interacting with a three-dimensional image of any patient’s organ. Therefore, this technology provides a huge potential for surgical procedures with increased accuracy and efficiency, reducing the number of errors. The possibility to view an operated area in three planes significantly simplifies surgical interventions.

The HoloLens technology and OpenSight system utilization allow performing surgeries while simultaneously viewing dynamic images of internal organs. A surgeon sees the operated area in front of him in the form of MRI and CT scans, made from different angles.

This technology is very valuable for research, medical education, and, of course, surgery.

BiMedis Сompany