Updated: Jun 28
Numerous studies have shown that virtual reality is not only fair to physical simulation but also superior to traditional methods of training.
A study conducted in 2019 by UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine found that surgical performance with Osso VR improved surgical performance by 230%.
Researchers at the University of Illinois of Medicine in Chicago, conducted a random analysis, a blind validation study using the Osso VR platform – found that the use of virtual reality for surgical training significantly increased procedural accuracy and completion rates; which more than tripled the chances of a successful intervention and showed a 300% improvement in the accuracy of the act.
6 Benefits of VR Surgery Simulation
01. Autonomy
With the right virtual reality surgery company, headphones, and controllers, residents can learn and practice specific procedures outside the operating room, even in the comfort of their own homes.
02. Repetition
These realistic simulations can be reset and repeated with no consequences, and significantly improve the competence and confidence of residents, directly resulting in better clinical outcomes and overall patient care.
03. Learn and apply any skills
In addition to assessment challenges, surgeons often do not have sufficient opportunities to apply the skills they learn, especially those related to new medical technologies.
04. Continuous learning
When training on a new device, surgeons frequently go to a one- to two-day training workshop with the medical device company. This ad hoc training does not generally allow surgeons to continue to build their skills.
05. Refreshing skills
It can take anywhere from four to six months for surgeons to perform a procedure on a patient, requiring them to refresh their knowledge “on the fly” in the operating room.
06. Preparation
Virtual reality technologies give this opportunity to train on any type of surgery before D-Day.
Surgeons can use VR surgery simulation to test new technologies in a risk-free environment, acquire knowledge of current procedures, and apply their skills to retain their expertise.
Updated: Jun 28
Medical students and surgeons in training are using augmented reality platforms to operate on anatomical rubber or 3D models of the human form.
AR is ideal for medical students, residents, and active surgeons who are learning new procedures or training techniques.
Augmented reality in surgical training enhances the model, by displaying a photorealistic graphic overlay so that the user gets a highly accurate understanding of the anatomy as they operate.
What is Augmented Reality?
Augmented reality is a technology that enables the user to overlay digital content over the real world. The user doesn't lose touch with reality (as with virtual reality) but can't interact with the digital content (as with mixed reality).
9 Roles of Augmented Reality Surgery Training?
1. Substitute of hands-on OR experience
AR training exercises can help fill the gap when surgeons don't have access to hands-on operating room experiences.
2. Autonomy of the user
AR can be used in isolation from the user's home environment without supervision.
03. Repetition
AR lets surgeons practice procedures or techniques many times in realistic circumstances without having to practice on live patients.
04. Democratize surgical training
AR can also democratize access to training in areas limited in resources and won't offer its trainees access to hands-on learning experiences.
05. Remote learning
AR can also facilitate telemedicine and remote learning of new techniques.
06. Outcome measures
AR simulation has prevented the establishment of validated outcome measures.
07. Instrument-tracking
Instrument-tracking AR software would help to facilitate the measurement of objective variables such as “distance-to-target” and subsequently procedure-specific composite scores.
08. Variable learning experience
AR simulators can tailor a module to varying learner experience levels. Novice learners could be presented with a clinical scenario with multiple cues and guidance to proceed through the process, whereas these can be omitted for more senior learners.
09. Shorten the learning curve
AR can shorten the learning curves of surgical procedures to increase overall educational efficiency and patient safety.
AR is uniquely positioned to complement the next phase of surgical education, ultimately leading to improved skill acquisition and improvements in patient outcomes through more efficient operative procedures and fewer complications.
Updated: Jun 28
Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional environment that can be experienced through a VR headset or other devices.
In recent years, VR has been increasingly used in surgical education to provide trainees with realistic and immersive experiences that can help them improve their surgical skills.
Advantages of VR surgery training
01. Realistic and immersive experiences
VR allows trainees to practice surgical procedures in a realistic and immersive environment that closely mimics the conditions of a real operating room.
This can help trainees develop their surgical skills and improve their confidence in performing procedures.
02. Repeatable and objective training
VR simulations can be repeated as many times as needed, allowing trainees to practice procedures until they feel comfortable and confident.
Additionally, VR simulations can provide objective data on trainees' performance, which can be used for feedback and assessment.
03. Reduced costs and risks
VR simulations can help reduce the costs and risks associated with traditional surgical education, such as the need for cadavers or animals for dissection, and the risk of complications from procedures performed by trainees.
04. Improved education
VR simulations can provide a more engaging and interactive learning experience, which can help improve trainees' understanding of surgical procedures and increase their retention of knowledge.
Platforms using VR surgery training
Medical Augmented Intelligence creates AR and VR educational tools. The company’s Body Map and DigiTwin help students and professionals Immerse in a virtual reality anatomy learning experience.
Immersive Touch creates virtual reality solutions for surgical planning, training, and education in neurosurgery.
OssoVR is a virtual surgery simulation platform that offers realistic hand-based interactions.
Surgical Theater created a VR-based surgical rehearsal platform for neurosurgical preoperative planning and rehearsal.
Limitations of virtual reality surgery training
01. High costs
VR systems and equipment can be expensive, which can make them difficult for some educational institutions to afford.
02. Limited availability
VR simulations may not be available for all types of surgical procedures or anatomies.
03. Lack of realism
While VR simulations can be highly realistic, they may not fully replicate the conditions of a real operating room, which can limit their effectiveness for training.
04. Limited feedback
Some VR simulations may not provide sufficient feedback on trainees' performance, which can limit the effectiveness of the training.
The Future of VR Surgery Training
More procedures and anatomies
Researchers and developers are working to create VR simulations for a broader range of surgical procedures and anatomies, which will make VR more accessible to trainees.
Surgical planning and execution
VR is being used to assist in surgical planning, allowing surgeons to visualize and plan procedures before they are performed, and also to aid in the execution of the procedure.
Integration with other technologies
VR is being integrated with other technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and haptic feedback to create more realistic and immersive simulations.
AI-powered virtual reality
AI is being used in VR to communicate with users and engage them in such a manner that makes them feel at ease.
This is being done through AI-powered chatbots and robots used to determine the behavior of that user and help choose the best results to match the level of each user.
Virtual reality has been showing a promising future in surgical education. It provides an opportunity to learn and practice surgical procedures in a realistic and immersive environment, which can help improve the trainee's surgical skills and confidence.
However, it is important to consider the limitations and costs when implementing VR in surgical education.
The field is continually evolving, with the development of new VR simulations and the integration of VR with other technologies to enhance the learning experience.