Potential Use Case of Augmented Reality in Medical Imaging

Augmented Reality (AR) is a constantly growing field in computer science. Research efforts have been continually intensified and solutions have been developed for various domains such as entertainment, education, navigation, medicine, and other different areas. Augmented Reality (AR) merges virtual objects, in either 2 or 3 dimensions, with the real world. By extending the real world with virtual, computer-generated information, the perception of natural environments can be enriched, and the surrounding world can be interactively manipulated.

                                                                       An AR showroom demo developed by Microsoft and Volvo provides an X-ray view of the engine, source: ref 1

To understand AR in a more easy way, let's take an example of an Instagram video calling.

As explained, AR is about adding digital objects to the existing real environment. So, while using Snapchat or Instagram video calling, one can add different filters as shown in the image below.

  
                            Fig. 1: Image filter in Instagram

 The AR software or algorithms detect the user's face and place the selected filter in real-time. The user can select many different filter and place on the face.


Take another example of a cup of coffee placed on a table. The users can add any digital objects to the existing environment. The AR model detects the cup of tea, calculates the depth and the user can add any virtual objects.

Fig.2:  Adding digital object over a cup of coffee

Potential Use case in Medical Field

  • Project medical images onto patients:-During chest examination, skull, or abdomen, the operators can add the digital image of patients' skeleton anatomy and collimates accurately to the selected area to improve the image content.

The medical image displayed on patients, source: ref 2

  • During surgery, AR systems provide medical imaging data and other patient information superimposed on the operation area in the most intuitive way

 An intra-operative AR system concept source: ref 3
  • AR-aided navigation systems can reduce the risk of complications and improve the safety and quality of surgeries.
  • AR education systems train the surgeons to acquire critical skills and AR rehabilitation concepts help patients to recover faster after interventions.
  • With augmented reality, medical imaging can be more readily accessible or displayed in actual 3-dimensional space during procedures to enhance guidance, at times when this information is most needed.
References:
1. https://hbr.org/2017/11/why-every-organization-needs-an-augmented-reality-strategy
2. https://physicsworld.com/a/augmented-reality-projects-medical-images-onto-patients/
3. https://www.medicalaugmentedreality.org/)

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