3 Innovative Applications of VR in Surgery

3 Applications of Virtual Reality in Surgery

1. Surgical education and surgical training

2. Preoperative planning

3. Collaboration between surgeons and telesurgery

01. Surgical education and surgical training

Virtual reality (VR) technology has the potential to significantly improve training and education for medical students and surgical residents.

The use of VR in medical education can provide a more innovative and engaging learning experience.

Surgical residents who have the opportunity to train on VR surgical simulators can develop the skills and knowledge necessary to perform high-quality surgical procedures.

With VR, surgeons can also broadcast operations, allowing medical students to be present in the operating room virtually through VR glasses. This eliminates the need for students to look over the surgeon's shoulder.

02. Preoperative planning

Preoperative simulation of a particular surgery using VR technology allows surgeons to virtually explore a patient's imaging and plan the operation with their colleagues on the day of the surgery.

This improves the accuracy and effectiveness of the surgery, by allowing the surgeon to identify potential challenges and develop a more effective plan of action.

03. Collaboration between surgeons

Virtual reality (VR) technology has the potential to significantly enhance collaboration between remote surgeons, through the use of "telesurgery" and remote surgical training in rural areas.

This allows for the sharing of knowledge and expertise among surgeons, regardless of their physical location.

VR also has the potential to improve the effectiveness of health systems in rural areas, as demonstrated by the Orlando Medical Institute in Florida, which has been providing emergency medical training for pediatric emergencies since 2021.

The potential for virtual reality in surgery is vast, and it can potentially enhance the way surgical procedures are performed, trained, and taught.