by Augmented reality or AR is a live direct or indirect view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data. With the help of advanced AR technology, the real-world elements can be enhanced by adding virtual computer-generated information or objects to it.
AR in Medical Imaging and Visualization
AR is being widely used in medical imaging and visualization which helps doctors to get a better understanding of the patient’s condition. Advanced AR headsets and glasses allow radiologists and surgeons to overlay digitally rendered 3D anatomical structures onto live video feeds of the patient. This enables them to see inside the patient virtually during operations or diagnostic imaging tests. Some key applications of AR in medical imaging include:
– Augmented Reality In Healthcare is used in image-guided surgery to give surgeons a mixed reality view inside the patient’s body during procedures. Surgeons can see critical anatomical structures, tumors, blood vessels overlaid on the patient in real-time for more accurate interventions.
– Radiologists can visualize CT, MRI, PET scan images directly over the patient using AR tools during diagnosis. This helps provide better visualization and understanding of injuries, lesions or abnormalities inside the patient.
– Dentists are using AR in procedures like root canal treatment to see a digital overlay of the patient’s dental anatomy, tissues and structures for more accurate diagnosis and treatments.
– AR is being developed to provide a virtual ultrasound view without any contact with the patient. This could enable doctors to do basic ultrasounds remotely using AR headsets.
AR in Medical Simulation and Augmented Reality In Healthcare
Advanced Augmented Reality In Healthcare and VR technologies are revolutionizing medical simulation and training. Through realistic AR and VR simulations, doctors and students can practice procedures, examine virtual patients and experience rare conditions without exposing real patients. Some ways AR is enhancing medical education include:
– Medical and nursing students can practice procedures like surgeries, diagnostic tests, wound management etc on virtual AR patients to improve their practical skills before treating real patients. This reduces medical errors.
– Complex surgeries can be simulated and rehearsed in an immersive AR environment before actual operations. Surgeons gain hands-on experience of procedures, anatomy and ability to deal with complications virtually.
– Students can experience complex medical conditions that are rarely seen. Through AR simulations, they can feel like they are interacting with virtual patients suffering from rare diseases.
– Doctors can keep practicing and improving their skills through AR simulations even after formal education. It helps them stay updated on the latest techniques without risk to real patients.
AR in Medical Treatment and Rehabilitation
AR is playing a key role in improving various medical treatments and aiding patient recovery. Some applications include:
– Rehabilitation treatments leverage AR gaming and physiotherapy simulations to motivate patients through interactive and immersive experiences. This helps speed up recovery from injuries, strokes and other mobility issues.
– AR apps are being developed to help patients suffering from chronic illnesses like diabetes, asthma etc. Virtual aids and interactive sessions through AR aim to improve treatment adherence and self-management.
– AR tools provide an engaging way for helping patients overcome mental health issues like phobias, depression, and addiction through immersive exposure therapies and simulations.
– AR is used to help design, fit and control advanced prosthetics through intuitive brain-machine interfaces.It could enable more human-like control of robotics assisting mobility.
– AR assists in radiotherapy and radiation oncology by visualizing the tumor and surrounding anatomy for more targeted radiation treatments with minimal side effects.
Future Scope of Augmented Reality in Healthcare
With advancements in technologies like 5G, cloud computing, machine learning and artificial intelligence, augmented reality is expected to exponentially grow its scope and applications in the healthcare sector. Some future directions include:
– Developing more intelligent AR assistants powered by AI that can aid medical diagnosis, treatment planning and remote monitoring of patients.
– Advancing image-guided surgery and interventions with smartphone-sized AR visualization tools providing real-time computer vision inputs.
– Designing personalized AR healthcare experiences through quantifiable wellness trackers, chronic condition management simulations and virtual therapeutic aids.
– Leveraging AR for connecting patients to medical resources anytime, anywhere through interactive interfaces like virtual consultations, pharmacy orders and emergency response systems.
– Creating spatial computing experiences inside operating rooms, hospitals and clinics with advanced AR that fuses the digital and physical world for staff and patients.
Augmented reality is poised to revolutionize the future of healthcare by improving treatments, pushing the boundaries of medical education and enabling greater access to quality care. As AR technologies mature further, they will transform every aspect of the healthcare industry for clinicians as well as patients.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
