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Review
. 2016 Dec;4(23):454.
doi: 10.21037/atm.2016.12.23.

Augmented and virtual reality in surgery-the digital surgical environment: applications, limitations and legal pitfalls

Wee Sim Khor  1 , Benjamin Baker  1 , Kavit Amin  1 , Adrian Chan  2 , Ketan Patel  3 , Jason Wong  4
Affiliations
Review

Augmented and virtual reality in surgery-the digital surgical environment: applications, limitations and legal pitfalls

Wee Sim Khor et al. Ann Transl Med. 2016 Dec.

Abstract

The continuing enhancement of the surgical environment in the digital age has led to a number of innovations being highlighted as potential disruptive technologies in the surgical workplace. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are rapidly becoming increasingly available, accessible and importantly affordable, hence their application into healthcare to enhance the medical use of data is certain. Whether it relates to anatomy, intraoperative surgery, or post-operative rehabilitation, applications are already being investigated for their role in the surgeons armamentarium. Here we provide an introduction to the technology and the potential areas of development in the surgical arena.

Keywords: Augmented reality (AR); surgery; virtual reality (VR).

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Conflict of interest statement

A Chan is co-founder of Occipital VR. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Use of Accuvein to image veins on patient.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Use of Google Glass in theatre.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Difference between see through display and head’s up display.
Figure 4
Figure 4
4D Anatomy Augmented reality app of the heart and human body (22). Available online: http://www.asvide.com/articles/1271
Figure 5
Figure 5
Curiscope T-shirt with visualisation of animated internal organs.
Figure 6
Figure 6
3D printed haptic models triggered augmented operative videos (34). Available online: http://www.asvide.com/articles/1272
Figure 7
Figure 7
The virtual operating theatre.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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