Augmented Reality Surgical Simulation
Tags: augmentedreality, surgicaltraining, medicalanimations, surgery
Published: 2021-01-19 06:28:35

Well, before grabbing knowledge on augmented reality surgical simulation, let's throw light on augmented reality.
If you are interested in deep dive into advancements in 3D surgical animation including applications of virtual reality surgical simulation [check out my previous post.](https://dev.to/pixlnexs/applications-of-virtual-reality-5ba7)

 **Augmented Reality Simulation -Connect Real and virtual world**

Augmented reality simulation is a virtual interactive 3D environment simulation that is superimposed on real-time, real-world scenes. It connects both the real and virtual worlds, where the natural surrounding can be augmented with computer-generated images with sound, video, GPS data etc. Moreover, augmented reality allows the users to interact with 3D models in virtual by integrating augmented reality cameras on mobiles, Google Glass, headsets, tablets, and PCs.

Besides, it authorizes the users to transform the present perspective of the real-world environment such as changing its appearance to include size, shape, color, creating 3D virtual models, and examining the inner accessories of real-time machines or objects. As a result, the end-users experience the mind-boggling 3D animated models in real-time. This, in turn, stimulates the viewers to explore,  examine, and learn the new innovative techniques in any field.

**Rise of Augmented Reality simulation**

As a surprising paradox, the term “ augmented reality” was coined by Tom Caudell in 1990, developed a computer-generated complex system that made the manufacturing and engineering process of the aviation industry easier. The proposed software helped in the fixing up of aircraft wiring and allows the users to overlay the positions of cables over the real ones. So that they can examine, understand, realize the makeover and servicing process of an aircraft.

Augmented reality successively saves the life of passengers, then have you wondered about its vital role in the medical industry?

Indeed, **the first augmented reality surgical simulation was implemented in the neurosurgery field**, in the mid-1980s,  in which the real anatomical structures have a replica in the virtual environment. The complete system resembles a clear cut characteristic of augmented reality, as it was spatially registered the computer tomography images with the prospective patient’s anatomy. It aids the chief resident to explore, scrutinize, understand and evaluate their specific case study with a safe learning environment.

Moreover, Bajura et al invented a new computer-generated system **to improve the wellbeing of the prospective pregnant woman by augmenting ultrasound images with real-time visualization**, by making use of a head-mounted small video camera placed in front of a designed head-mounted display.

**Augmented Reality Surgical Simulation - An Incredible Tool in surgical training**

In recent times, the augmented reality was broadly explored among scientists in the field of healthcare specifically on applications of augmented reality in various surgical fields. Totally, there are **808 scientific studies on augmented surgical simulation in the medical industry from the year 2010 to November 2016**.

All the studies proved that integrating augmented reality simulation in the surgical field refined the skills of surgeons and make them versatile in their specific field. Furthermore, it also manifested that **augmented reality sets up safe, cost-effective surgical training for novice or seasoned physicians.** Since it illustrates the surgical procedures in a  clear-cut edge 3D visuals, it helps the surgeons to detect the disorders easily and train on the precise surgical procedures for the prospective patients.

Additionally, a specialized study work on augmented surgical simulation in orthognathic surgery was conducted. Mischkowski et al, invented an augmented reality tool for **rectifying the irregularities in jawbones with the help of a portable transparent device for superimposing  Computer tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 3D images** on the top of a prospective patient’s skull. By fixing an infrared optical camera in the center of the operation theater, tracked the defect on the prospective patient and resolved it with the help of a display gadget.

Ultimately, Augmented surgical simulation dissolves tumors by using radiofrequency treatment. There is also a scientific proof study to back up this claim. Nicolau et al, demonstrated **the vital role of augmented reality guidance system for alleviating liver damages by helping the surgeons to detect the tumors** and outperformed radiofrequency treatment via superimposing the pre-functioning MRI  images and information. In this research study, they utilized a camera display system and customized radio-opaque markers for tracking the surgical instruments. As a result, the surgeons diagnosed, dissolved the tumors, as well as enhanced the probability of success rate of surgeries.

Moreover, Magee et al had done the masterpiece work of augmented reality in the surgical field. He commenced the **navigation system of needles with the guidance of an ultrasound probe**. This project involves the formation of ultrasound anatomic images on the display screen, by utilizing electromagnetic motion sensors for surveilling the probe and needle. With clear-cut 3D visuals on the screens, surgeons able to examine the defect of prospective patients as well as practice on the surgical techniques or procedures within a short span. This method has been reached out in various surgical fields that use a **minimally invasive procedure such as laparoscopy, endoscopy, orthopedic surgery, spine surgery,** etc.

I hope you got the crucial role of augmented reality surgical simulation in the surgical field. You will be exploring more about applications of augmented reality surgical simulation in my upcoming post.

If you’re interested in exploring the advancements in [3D medical animation](https://www.pixlnexs.com/medical-animation), [we are here to guide and drive you forward towards your goal.](https://www.pixlnexs.com/augmented-reality)