Revolutionizing Healthcare: Top Applications of Augmented Reality (AR)

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that has the potential to revolutionize healthcare. By overlaying digital information in the real world, AR can enhance medical education, assist with surgical planning, facilitate remote consultations, improve physical therapy, and engage patients in their care.

In this blog, we will explore the various applications of AR in healthcare and how it is being used to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and enhance the overall quality of care. From medical education and training to assisted living, the possibilities of AR in healthcare are endless.

Surgical Planning and assistance

It is one of the top applications of Augmented Reality (AR) in healthcare. AR technology can be used to overlay images of the patient’s anatomy onto the surgical field, allowing the surgeon to see the patient’s internal organs and plan the surgery accordingly.

This can greatly enhance the accuracy and safety of the procedure, reducing the risk of complications and improving patient outcomes.

Related article: Metaverse healthcare use cases

One example of AR in surgical planning and assistance is the use of AR technology in neurosurgery. A company called BrainLab has developed an AR system that overlays images of the patient’s brain onto the surgical field, allowing the surgeon to see the patient’s internal brain structure and plan the surgery accordingly.

This system uses a combination of 3D imaging and real-time navigation to create a virtual model of the patient’s brain, which can be used to plan the surgery and ensure that the surgeon is performing the procedure correctly and safely.

The system is called Brainlab iPlan which is a software that uses patient-specific CT and MRI images to create a 3D image of the patient’s brain, which can be used to plan the surgery. Surgeons can use this image to plan the optimal surgical approach, identify critical structures, and avoid potential complications.

The technology is used in a wide range of neurosurgeries such as brain tumors, cranial base surgery, spinal surgery, and skull base surgery. The use of technology in these surgeries can help to improve the accuracy and safety of the procedure, reducing the risk of complications and improving patient outcomes

Medical training and education

AR technology can be used to create realistic simulations of medical procedures, allowing students and trainees to practice and perfect their skills before performing the procedure on a real patient. This can greatly enhance the learning experience for medical students, as it allows them to experience the procedure in a safe and controlled environment.

An example of this is the use of the Surgical Theater’s Virtual Reality Surgical Simulator (VRSS). The VRSS uses AR technology to create a realistic 3D model of the patient’s anatomy, allowing trainee surgeons to practice and perfect their skills before performing the procedure on a real patient.

The simulator includes a variety of instruments and tools, such as forceps and scalpels, which can be used to practice the procedure. The trainee can also receive feedback on their performance, helping them to improve their skills and reduce the risk of complications when they perform the procedure on a real patient.

Physical therapy and rehabilitation

AR technology can create interactive exercises and games that help patients regain their strength and mobility after an injury or surgery. It can also be used to track the patient’s progress, allowing the therapist to adjust the treatment plan as needed.

An example of this is the use of AR-powered rehabilitation games. A company called Virtual Rehab has developed a series of games that use AR technology to create interactive exercises for patients recovering from injuries or surgeries.

These games are designed to help patients regain their strength and mobility, and can be customized to the patient’s specific needs and abilities. The games use a variety of controllers, such as hand gestures and body movements, to interact with the virtual environment, and can be played on a variety of platforms, such as smartphones and tablets.

Another example is the use of AR in physical therapy for stroke patients. A company called Bionik has developed an AR-powered rehabilitation system that uses a virtual reality headset to create an interactive environment for stroke patients.

The system includes a variety of exercises and games that are designed to help patients regain their strength and mobility, and can be customized to the patient’s specific needs and abilities. The system also includes a tracking module, which can be used to track the patient’s progress over time, allowing the therapist to adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Prescription drug management

AR technology can be used to create interactive medication management systems, allowing patients to keep track of their medication schedule and dosage, and alerting them when it is time to take their medication. This can help to improve patient compliance with their medication regimen, reducing the risk of medication errors and adverse reactions.

An example of this is the use of AR-powered medication management systems. A company called Medisafe has developed an AR-powered medication management system that allows patients to keep track of their medication schedule and dosage and alerts them when it is time to take their medication.

The system includes a variety of features, such as reminders, dosage tracking, and a medication library, which can be used to manage multiple medications. The system also includes a tracking module, which can be used to track the patient’s compliance with their medication regimen over time.

Another example is the use of AR in medication management for patients with chronic diseases. A company called Aardvark has developed an AR-powered medication management system that uses a virtual reality headset to create an interactive environment for patients with chronic diseases.

The system includes a variety of features, such as reminders, dosage tracking, and a medication library, which can be used to manage multiple medications. The system also includes a tracking module, which can be used to track the patient’s compliance with their medication regimen over time and provide feedback to the patient’s healthcare provider.

Medical equipment maintenance and imaging

These are two important applications of Augmented Reality (AR) in healthcare. AR technology can be used to provide real-time guidance on how to properly maintain and repair medical equipment, reducing the risk of equipment failure and ensuring that the equipment is functioning correctly.

Additionally, AR can be used in medical imaging to overlay images of the patient’s anatomy onto the X-ray or MRI images, allowing doctors to see the patient’s internal organs and identify any abnormalities.

An example of AR in medical equipment maintenance is the use of AR-powered guidance systems. A company called Augmedix has developed an AR system that provides real-time guidance on how to properly maintain and repair medical equipment, reducing the risk of equipment failure and ensuring that the equipment is functioning correctly.

The system includes a variety of features, such as step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting guides, and a parts library, which can be used to repair and maintain a wide range of medical equipment.

An example of AR in medical imaging is the use of AR in Radiology. A company called Augmedics has developed an AR system that overlays images of the patient’s anatomy onto the X-ray or CT images, allowing radiologists to see the patient’s internal organs and identify any abnormalities.

This technology uses a combination of 3D imaging and real-time navigation to create a virtual model of the patient’s anatomy, which can be used to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions.

Patient Education

AR can be used to create interactive patient education materials, allowing patients to understand their condition and treatment options better. It can also be used to create virtual tours of hospitals and clinics, helping patients to feel more comfortable and less anxious about their visit.

An example of this is the use of AR in patient education about cancer. A company called Firsthand Technology has developed an AR system that creates a virtual tour of the patient’s body, allowing patients to see the cancer cells and understand the effects of the disease. This technology has been used in over 500 cases and has helped to improve patient understanding and compliance with treatment.

Augmented reality (AR) technology has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by improving patient outcomes, streamlining medical procedures, and enhancing medical education and training. AR can be used to visualize complex medical information, such as CT scans and MRI images, more intuitively and interactively, which can aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.

It can also be used to overlay information and guidance on a patient’s body during surgery, making procedures more accurate and efficient. Additionally, AR can be used to create immersive and interactive simulations for medical education and training, allowing students and trainees to practice and learn in a safe and controlled environment. Overall, AR has the potential to improve healthcare by providing doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals with new and innovative tools to enhance their ability to diagnose and treat patients.