Use Case Overview
The benefits of using virtual reality (VR) in medicine have long been recognized and implemented in an array of applications. Medical training, patient treatment, and pain management all use immersive technologies to create innovative health education and surgical training. With improved high-fidelity representations of reality (for example, 3D brain visualization), Apple Vision Pro lets surgeons to practice in a safe neurosurgical or spinal surgery simulation. These increasingly advanced and effective use cases in medical practice can improve patient outcomes and neurosurgical procedures.
Described below is a product idea of a software application intended for Apple Vision Pro. Utilizing advanced VR and AR capabilities, Augmented Neurosurgery could prove valuable to doctors learning about and performing brain surgeries. This would rely on 4 key advantages these technologies offer today:
1) visualizing complex data as spatial interactive models
2) creating safe virtual environments that enable high-fidelity, data-driven medical simulations
3) delivering context-sensitive insights in real time
4) enabling hands-free and intuitive control of the app
Although this concept is described from the vantage point of neurosurgeons, many other medical professionals could very well make use of this or a similar use case to further enhance the quality of medical education. The other point of view is that of the medical equipment manufacturers. Such companies could build Augmented Neurosurgery (or a similar app) to capture a share of the global VR market, estimated to be growing at a CAGR of nearly 28% — with the healthcare segment being the strongest driver of this trend.
This is a conceptual demonstration created by Nomtek. It is intended to inspire by illustrating the potential benefits of utilizing Apple Vision Pro - a new, fascinating technology whose positive impact will be large but is yet to be discovered. It is also intended to show Nomtek's engineering competences and application delivery capabilities.
Source: Midjourney
Source: Midjourney
Features
Bringing new levels of safety and efficiency to medicine and VR surgery training through data visualizations, life-like simulations, contextual insights, and intuitive, hands-free control of the equipment.
Spatial data visualization
Flat, two-dimensional visualizations don't capture the nuanced nature of the human body. VR allows for displaying advanced data as interactive spatial models, visualizing objects as complex as a human brain through life-like representations.
High-fidelity surgery simulation
VR enables neurosurgeons to feed in and calibrate advanced patient data in order to simulate brain surgeries and other medical procedures in a safe, controlled virtual environment
Real-time contextual insights
Using the headset’s pass-through mode, the app could be used to contextually overlay digital information in the form of text, video, or 2D and 3D visuals onto the physical environment, aiding neurosurgeons during procedures and surgical planning.
Hands-free app control
With intuitive, hands-free interaction, doctors are no longer distracted while practicing and performing surgeries, being now able to focus their attention on treating patients rather than operating the equipment.
Source: Midjourney
Value for Neurosurgeons
Leverage the expertise of seasoned full-stack teams to build sticky products. We prioritize your objectives and ensure transparency throughout the process for timely project completion and clear communication.
Patient safety through virtual training
VR-enabled neurosurgical training lets medical students practice procedures that require practice, confidence, and precision in a safe, immersive, and interactive environment, leading to enhanced learning outcomes, improved retention of knowledge and skills, and valuable hands-on practice without risking patient safety.
Surgery planning and simulation
Spatial data representations enable surgeons to visualize anatomical structures, practice surgical techniques, and anticipate potential challenges, leading to more precise and efficient surgeries and better patient outcomes.
Surgical collaboration
AR-powered contextualized insights and hands-free control of the equipment can contribute to improved efficiency of operations and better decision-making, while also enabling other headset-wearing surgeons to remotely participate in the surgery and advise the operator in real time.
Source: Midjourney
Value for Manufacturers
In addition to providing doctors with the benefits described above, medical equipment manufacturers can additionally utilize VR and AR technologies to make surgeons more proficient in operating their hardware equipment, as well as providing timely and efficient remote equipment support in a world where every second counts.
Training and education
VR simulations can be used to provide comprehensive training for the end-users of medical hardware equipment used during surgical procedures. By simulating real-world scenarios in a virtual environment, manufacturers can ensure that surgeons are proficient in equipment operation.
Immediate remote assistance
The manufacturer’s technicians could use AR-powered headsets to overlay digital information onto physical equipment, remotely guiding hospital personnel through emergency repair procedures in real time, effectively reducing downtime of the much needed, and often life-saving, medical devices.
