The rapid advancement of science is reshaping healthcare, with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) leading the charge. Although AR and VR aren't new, their widespread adoption in medicine has accelerated since 2013. According to Orbit Intelligence, medical technology now dominates the AR and VR sectors, accounting for 26.33% of patents, outpacing the computer technology sector at 22.68%. These technologies are transforming key areas of healthcare, including rehabilitation, brain-focused technologies, 3D surgical visualization, patient interaction, diagnostics, and simulation technologies for movement interactions.

In this article, we’ll cover how AR and VR technologies are revolutionizing healthcare today and look at the areas most impacted by these innovations.

Key Takeaways

  1. AR and VR technologies are increasingly being adopted in the medical field, with significant growth since 2013, particularly in areas like rehabilitation, brain-focused technologies, 3D surgical visualization, and patient interaction.
  2. VR models created from CT and MRI scans allow surgeons to plan complex procedures by visualizing potential risks. This technology has already been successfully used in challenging surgeries, such as separating conjoined twins.
  3. VR gamification in physical rehabilitation increases patient motivation and adherence to prescribed exercises, addressing the psychological challenges of long-term recovery.
  4. VR is used to train medical students in managing difficult situations with violent patients, helping them develop better communication and decision-making skills.
  5. AR and VR are employed in pain management, treating phobias, PTSD, and even alcoholism, offering innovative, drug-free therapeutic options.
  6. Although currently used mainly in clinical studies, AR and VR technologies have the potential to complement traditional medical practices, with a focus on human-centered, patient-focused care.

3D Visualization and Surgery

AR and VR have revolutionized surgical planning and execution. Using 3D models created from CT and MRI scans, surgeons can now prepare for complex procedures by visualizing potential risks and challenges in a virtual environment. For example, the VR platform Surgical Theater is helping neurosurgeons in the USA and Israel plan intricate surgeries. A remarkable case at Soroka Medical Center involved the successful separation of twins conjoined at the head. Surgeons used interactive 3D and VR models to study complex anatomy and develop precise surgical plans.

In the UK, AR is enhancing surgical precision by creating virtual markups that highlight organ outlines, guiding surgeons more accurately during operations. An AI-based platform also allows surgeons to visualize potential outcomes in VR before surgery. This technology played a critical role at Great Ormond Street Hospital, where surgeons successfully treated a 6-month-old baby with sagittal synostosis. The technology empowered the child's parents to make an informed decision about the surgery, enhancing patient and family engagement.

Physical Rehabilitation

Physical rehabilitation is often a long and challenging process, with patients striving to regain their pre-injury condition through repetitive exercises. Keeping patients motivated is a significant challenge, with less than 35% of patients sticking to their rehabilitation programs and only 10% accurately recalling their prescribed exercises.

VR gamification offers a solution by making rehabilitation more engaging and effective. By turning exercises into interactive games, VR significantly boosts patient motivation and adherence, improving overall outcomes.

Ophthalmology

AR and VR are also making significant strides in ophthalmology. Programs like Amblyotrainer and Strabotrainer are used to treat conditions like amblyopia and strabismus. Another innovation, Visus VR, is a VR complex designed for visual acuity testing, simulating 3D visual scenes to provide high-definition vision tests.

FYR Medical has introduced XR (extended reality) glasses that use light field technology to reduce eye strain and fatigue, common issues with current AR and VR headsets. These glasses are primarily intended for spinal surgery, providing surgeons with navigational images and patient data in real-time. The potential applications of this technology extend to various surgical and training environments, as well as telemedicine.

Addressing Psychological Challenges

VR is being used to train medical students in handling difficult situations, such as dealing with violent patients in a crowded hospital setting. These simulations include various distractions, such as loud TVs, family requests, and medical personnel interruptions. Students must learn to de-escalate situations, choose the right words, and make critical decisions. These scenarios also explore ethical dilemmas, such as how to handle a patient who wants to be discharged against medical advice or the covert administration of medication.

AR is also being used to alleviate pain, particularly phantom pain in amputees. By projecting an image of a healthy limb, AR helps increase patients’ pain thresholds. The program uses sensors to record signals from contracted muscles, translating them into VR movements of the healthy limb, providing the brain with visual evidence of the lost limb’s presence. This distraction effect can significantly reduce pain and, in some cases, eliminate it entirely.

VR for Mental Health

VR therapy is now being used to treat phobias and PTSD by exposing patients to controlled, anxiety-provoking situations in a safe environment. For example, a patient with a fear of flying might be exposed to a virtual plane taking off, while someone with social anxiety might be placed in a virtual crowded auditorium. This method allows patients to confront and overcome their fears with the guidance of a therapist.

St. Jude Research Hospital has implemented VR as a drug-free method of managing chronic pain, aiming to reduce the use of addictive opioids. The hospital uses EaseVRx, a VR platform that offers immersive 3D environments and educational tools to help patients manage pain. After six months, the hospital reported a 50% reduction in pain scores and saved $200,000 monthly on pain-relieving drugs.

To sum up

While AR and VR technologies are still primarily used in clinical studies, their potential in medical practice is undeniable. These technologies are not meant to replace traditional methods but to complement them. 

As AR and VR continue to evolve, their role in healthcare will likely expand, offering innovative solutions that enhance patient care, improve training, and address both physical and psychological challenges.

‍

Interested in developing your own AR/VR healthcare system? Contact us or book a quick call for a free personal consultation.

You can learn more about our AR/VR development expertise here

‍

Take a look at our other articles too:

Must-Have Features for Telemedicine Systems: Elevating Good to Great

How an Apple Vision Pro App Can Benefit Your Software Product

Personalized Planning: Ideation, Personal Consultation, and Scoping

  • Technologies