Augmented Reality Microsurgery: Proof of Concept for a Novel Approach to Microsurgical Field Visualization in Plastic Surgery. Plast Reconstr Surg 2024 Mar 01;153(3):650e-655e
Date
05/23/2023Pubmed ID
37220273DOI
10.1097/PRS.0000000000010705Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85185716363 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)Abstract
BACKGROUND: Microsurgery is conducted on tiny anatomical structures such as blood vessels and nerves. Over the past few decades, little has changed in the way plastic surgeons visualize and interact with the microsurgical field. New advances in augmented reality (AR) technology present a novel method for microsurgical field visualization. Voice- and gesture-based commands can be used in real time to adjust the size and position of a digital screen. Surgical decision support and/or navigation may also be used. The authors assess the use of AR in microsurgery.
METHODS: The video feed from a Leica Microsystems OHX surgical microscope was streamed to a Microsoft HoloLens2 AR headset. A fellowship-trained microsurgeon and three plastic surgery residents then performed a series of four arterial anastomoses on a chicken thigh model using the AR headset, a surgical microscope, a video microscope (or "exoscope"), and surgical loupes.
RESULTS: The AR headset provided an unhindered view of the microsurgical field and peripheral environment. The subjects remarked on the benefits of having the virtual screen track with head movements. The ability of participants to place the microsurgical field in a tailored comfortable, ergonomic position was also noted. Points of improvement were the low image quality compared with current monitors, image latency, and the lack of depth perception.
CONCLUSIONS: AR is a useful tool that has the potential to improve microsurgical field visualization and the way surgeons interact with surgical monitors. Improvements in screen resolution, latency, and depth of field are needed.
Author List
Falola RA, Lombana NF, Rodriguez-Unda NA, Mehta IH, Webster ND, Weber RA, Altman AM, Saint-Cyr MHAuthor
Nelson Agustin Rodriguez-Unda MD Assistant Professor in the Plastic Surgery department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
HumansMicrosurgery
Neurosurgical Procedures
Surgery, Plastic
