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. 2023 Sep;26(3):100919.
doi: 10.1016/j.tvir.2023.100919. Epub 2023 Oct 20.

Virtual and Augmented Reality in Interventional Radiology: Current Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions

Ahmed Elsakka  1 , Brian J Park  2 , Brett Marinelli  3 , Nathaniel C Swinburne  1 , Javin Schefflein  4
Affiliations

Virtual and Augmented Reality in Interventional Radiology: Current Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions

Ahmed Elsakka et al. Tech Vasc Interv Radiol. 2023 Sep.

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented Reality (AR) are emerging technologies with the potential to revolutionize Interventional radiology (IR). These innovations offer advantages in patient care, interventional planning, and educational training by improving the visualization and navigation of medical images. Despite progress, several challenges hinder their widespread adoption, including limitations in navigation systems, cost, clinical acceptance, and technical constraints of AR/VR equipment. However, ongoing research holds promise with recent advancements such as shape-sensing needles and improved organ deformation modeling. The development of deep learning techniques, particularly for medical imaging segmentation, presents a promising avenue to address existing accuracy and precision issues. Future applications of AR/VR in IR include simulation-based training, preprocedural planning, intraprocedural guidance, and increased patient engagement. As these technologies advance, they are expected to facilitate telemedicine, enhance operational efficiency, and improve patient outcomes, marking a new frontier in interventional radiology.

Keywords: augmented reality; interventional oncology; interventional radiology; mixed reality; virtual reality.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Microwave ablation of endophytic renal mass using enhanced visualization with augmented reality. Three-dimensional rendering of the preoperative MRI was projected and manually registered to the patient using Microsoft HoloLens headset device (Redmond, WA).
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Real-time fluoroscopy feed streamed into Microsoft HoloLens 2 headset device (Redmond, WA).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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