Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality in Neurosurgery-Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality in Neurosurgery

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The session focused on the integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in neurosurgery, highlighting how these technologies are revolutionizing surgical training and operative procedures. Initially, traditional surgical training followed the experiential "see one, do one, teach one" model, but with decreased surgical volumes and work hour restrictions, alternatives like cadaveric models, task trainers, and more recently, AR and VR have been adopted.<br /><br />The presentations underscored AR and VR's role in enhancing surgical simulations by offering realistic, patient-specific visualizations, which allow surgeons to rehearse operations virtually. This boosts confidence, reduces errors, and facilitates better planning by visualizing critical anatomical structures preoperatively and interoperatively, particularly benefiting complex surgeries like those involving tumors or deep spinal pathways.<br /><br />Further, these technologies enhance patient education and engagement by enabling virtual consultations where patients can visualize their surgical procedures, aiding in informed consent and potentially improving booking conversions in competitive medical landscapes.<br /><br />While AR/VR innovations are promising, challenges remain, notably high costs and the potential for information overload in the operating theatre. Moreover, integration is yet to fully replace or complement existing navigational systems, and ongoing development is crucial for refining the technology's in-surgery application. Nonetheless, presenters emphasized the potential for these technologies to transform how future neurosurgeons are trained and how surgeries are conducted, advocating for continued research and implementation to maximize surgical efficacy and patient outcomes.

Keywords

augmented reality

virtual reality

neurosurgery

surgical training

operative procedures

surgical simulations

patient-specific visualizations

complex surgeries

patient education

virtual consultations

information overload

navigational systems