Augmented reality (AR) is offering the potential to revolutionise surgical procedures.
A new study to be presented at the winter meeting of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) explores how AR headsets could improve surgical precision and patient outcomes while cutting preoperative preparation times.
The study, “Does augmented and mixed reality have a future role in reconstructive surgery? Exploring a potential application in mandibular reconstruction”, was conducted at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Australia.
It demonstrated how AR and mixed reality (MR) could replace traditional cutting guides in complex lower jaw reconstructions by using holograms projected directly onto patients’ bodies.
Enhancing precision and efficiency
Using the Microsoft HoloLens 2 headset, the research team tested the technology on 3D-printed models. The AR/MR systems provided surgeons with holographic images displaying detailed anatomy, surgical plans, and cutting guides during the procedure.
“Our early findings show that augmented and mixed reality has the potential to transform how surgeons plan and execute complex reconstructions,” said Tyler Ferdinands, resident medical officer at Princess Alexandra Hospital. “This preclinical pilot study demonstrates how AR/MR technology may improve efficiency while making complex anatomical details more accessible to the surgical team in real-time.”
By reducing the need for 3D-printed cutting guides and decreasing planning time, the technology could deliver significant cost savings. Additionally, surgeons could access crucial data in real-time without having to look away from the surgical site.
How it works
The AR-assisted process is similar to conventional surgery but enhanced with holographic overlays. Surgeons wear an AR headset, register the device by scanning the patient’s QR code, and load the holographic surgical plan. The system projects an image of the patient’s anatomy, including bone structures, blood vessels, and cutting planes, onto their body.
Mani Ragbir, consultant plastic surgeon and president of BAPRAS, described the innovation as “aligning perfectly with our vision to advance surgical technology. By integrating AR/MR tools, we can equip surgeons with real-time, enhanced views that lead to safer, more efficient outcomes, particularly in complex cases like mandibular reconstruction. It is exciting to imagine AR as a significant part of the future of all surgery.”
The future of AR in surgery
AR, which overlays digital images onto real-world views, has the potential to streamline surgeries by providing detailed visual aids for intricate procedures. Meanwhile, MR takes this further by integrating interactive virtual components into the surgeon’s environment, enabling real-time manipulation of holograms.
Although this technology is currently in the testing phase, its integration into live patient surgeries may not be far off. With its potential to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and safety, AR could represent the next frontier in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.
For more on the latest innovations in surgical technology, visit the [BAPRAS website](https://www.bapras.org.uk).
A new study to be presented at the winter meeting of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) explores how AR headsets could improve surgical precision and patient outcomes while cutting preoperative preparation times.
The study, “Does augmented and mixed reality have a future role in reconstructive surgery? Exploring a potential application in mandibular reconstruction”, was conducted at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Australia.
It demonstrated how AR and mixed reality (MR) could replace traditional cutting guides in complex lower jaw reconstructions by using holograms projected directly onto patients’ bodies.
Enhancing precision and efficiency
Using the Microsoft HoloLens 2 headset, the research team tested the technology on 3D-printed models. The AR/MR systems provided surgeons with holographic images displaying detailed anatomy, surgical plans, and cutting guides during the procedure.
“Our early findings show that augmented and mixed reality has the potential to transform how surgeons plan and execute complex reconstructions,” said Tyler Ferdinands, resident medical officer at Princess Alexandra Hospital. “This preclinical pilot study demonstrates how AR/MR technology may improve efficiency while making complex anatomical details more accessible to the surgical team in real-time.”
By reducing the need for 3D-printed cutting guides and decreasing planning time, the technology could deliver significant cost savings. Additionally, surgeons could access crucial data in real-time without having to look away from the surgical site.
How it works
The AR-assisted process is similar to conventional surgery but enhanced with holographic overlays. Surgeons wear an AR headset, register the device by scanning the patient’s QR code, and load the holographic surgical plan. The system projects an image of the patient’s anatomy, including bone structures, blood vessels, and cutting planes, onto their body.
Mani Ragbir, consultant plastic surgeon and president of BAPRAS, described the innovation as “aligning perfectly with our vision to advance surgical technology. By integrating AR/MR tools, we can equip surgeons with real-time, enhanced views that lead to safer, more efficient outcomes, particularly in complex cases like mandibular reconstruction. It is exciting to imagine AR as a significant part of the future of all surgery.”
The future of AR in surgery
AR, which overlays digital images onto real-world views, has the potential to streamline surgeries by providing detailed visual aids for intricate procedures. Meanwhile, MR takes this further by integrating interactive virtual components into the surgeon’s environment, enabling real-time manipulation of holograms.
Although this technology is currently in the testing phase, its integration into live patient surgeries may not be far off. With its potential to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and safety, AR could represent the next frontier in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.
For more on the latest innovations in surgical technology, visit the [BAPRAS website](https://www.bapras.org.uk).
