Researchers at Duke University are exploring the advantages of using the Microsoft HoloLens augmented reality headset in medical applications where surgery is hindered by line of sight. One of the potential applications is the extraventricular drain (EVD) placement during a procedure, designed to relieve pressure when excess fluid gathers in the brain. Since the surgeon cannot see where the drain is going after it is inserted through a small hole in the skull, it is clear that an augmented reality system could be very helpful and life saving.
Source: Duke University
You can find a complete description of their work on the Duke website. To be very clear, this is pure R&D at the moment, meaning that AR has not been used in a real surgery but on dummies only. The Duke researchers say that the quality of augmented reality headsets from an optical but also from a computing standpoint are typically not good enough to create accurate feedback to the surgeon. The HoloLens is outstanding in providing a more steady and accurate feedback that would allow such a system to be used in real life.
This is of course only one of the applications Microsoft was referring to when it talked about the large opportunities AR has in the medical field. – NH
