News & Insights

How are AR & VR revolutionizing the healthcare sector?

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are revolutionizing the healthcare sector by transforming how medical professionals diagnose, treat, and educate. AR provides real-time, interactive overlays that can assist surgeons during complex procedures, enhancing precision and reducing risks.

For instance, AR can project 3D images of a patient’s anatomy, allowing for more accurate and minimally invasive surgeries. VR, on the other hand, offers immersive simulations for training medical students and professionals, creating a risk-free environment to practice surgeries and procedures. It also plays a significant role in patient care, from pain management through distraction therapy to treating mental health conditions like PTSD and anxiety with exposure therapy.

These technologies are making healthcare more efficient, accessible, and effective, leading to better patient outcomes and a more skilled healthcare workforce.

• 1. XRHealth developed a virtual clinic that treats mental health disorders using VR therapy.
• 2. St. Jude Research Hospital employs VR to provide a drug-free, immersive 3D world for chronic pain management, reducing reliance on opioids and aiding patients unsuitable for sedation.
• 3. Iowa Spencer Hospital employs an AR solution using SLAM technology for precise, safer medical procedures, allowing doctors to map organs, veins, and tumors with a simple smartphone scan.
• 4. LabFlorida uses AR remote assistance to fix and maintain their medical test equipment.