Augmented reality as the new level in ENT surgery

Using augmented and mixed reality (MR), Hamburg physicians have developed new technical options for ENT surgery. This allows CT/MRI images to be displayed 3-dimensionally in MR glasses and placed virtually exactly over the surgical site. The possibility of continuous adjustment during the operation allows a tremendous improvement of the anatomical orientation and thus leads to a qualitative operative result.

Virtual Surgery Intelligence (VSI) is a software that displays original CT/MRI images in 3D into a MR headset for the first time. The real environment stays completely visible. The 3D image can be positioned everywhere in the room. Additional functions allow the user to slide through the individual anatomical layers to the operating site or the removal of the layers from outside to inside. This Mode is the called Freemode and purpose for the pre- and postoperative phase.

For the intraoperative phase is the fixed mode important. The VSI identifies the individual anatomical structures of the patient by landmark recognition and places the 3D-CT/MRT model exactly on the real body. The surgeon can touchless change the hologram as needed using gesture and voice commands, such as: make it more transparent. This enables a constant adjustment, enormously improves the anatomical orientation and in the future, it will overtake navigation methods in practicability and precision, as currently used in sinus surgery.

In the current health care system with increasing cost pressure, medicine needs innovative procedures such as these in order to withstand to the external imposed conditions and to ensure a better patient care in the future.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)