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| Revolution in healthcare: Apple's Vision Pro headset is making strides in the medical field image credit: Apple.com |
The Future of Surgery: Apple Vision Pro's Role in Enhancing Medical Outcomes
Apple's Vision Pro headset is making unexpected but impressive strides in the healthcare sector, proving to be a versatile tool for medical professionals globally. When Apple unveiled Vision Pro, an extended reality (XR) headset, last year, very few anticipated its potential to transform surgical outcomes and patient care. Yet, from bariatric surgeries to spinal operations, doctors around the world are using this technology to achieve remarkable results.
Pioneering use in bariatric surgery
In New Delhi, a groundbreaking bariatric surgery marked the first use of Vision Pro in the field. The 40-minute procedure on a 45-year-old patient, who weighed 155 kg and suffered from hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea, was a success. The immersive 3D environment provided by Vision Pro allowed the surgical team to view complex anatomical structures with unprecedented clarity.
Dr Vaibhav Kapoor, Co-Founder of Pristyn Care, where the surgery took place, lauded the integration of Vision Pro, saying, “The successful integration of Apple Vision Pro into bariatric surgery is a significant milestone in our journey to revolutionize surgical procedures.” Dr Mohit Bhandari, a leading bariatric surgeon involved in the procedure, echoed these sentiments, adding that this technology opens up new possibilities for surgical precision and improved patient outcomes.
Advances in Laparoscopic Surgery
At GEM Hospital in Chennai, surgeons are using Vision Pro for laparoscopic surgery. Dr R Parthasarathy, Surgical Gastroenterologist and COO of GEM Hospital, highlighted the device’s real-time transmission and improved visualization capabilities. He explained, “There is no delay in transmission. My vision was better and I was connected to the real world. Whatever I can see on the monitor displaying the laparoscopic surgery, can be seen on this device as well.” Additionally, the ability to simultaneously view CT scans and magnify internal organs to wall-sized dimensions provides remarkable detail and utility, especially for consulting specialists during procedures.
Global adoption and success stories
The impact of Vision Pro extends beyond India. In Brazil, surgeons used the headset for shoulder arthroscopy, while in the U.K., it was used during a delicate spine surgery at Cromwell Hospital. Interestingly, in this case, the nurse wore the headset, providing the necessary assistance and increasing surgical accuracy. Nurse Suvi Verho described this technology as a “game-changer,” emphasizing its role in reducing guesswork and human error. Surgeon Syed Aftab compared the experience to collaborating with an experienced professional, highlighting the headset’s assistive capabilities.
In Florida, USA, Vision Pro was used in a shoulder-joint replacement procedure, further demonstrating its versatility across different surgical disciplines.
Revolutionizing medical technology
The Vision Pro is not only a surgical aid but also a tool for a wide range of medical applications. Its apps, such as Stryker's MyMako for detailed 3D surgical planning and Siemens Healthineers' human anatomy tool for clinical and educational purposes, are revolutionizing medical technology. Cedars-Sinai's Zia app provides AI-powered mental health support and virtual meditation, showcasing the headset's potential in holistic healthcare.
Apple's Vision for Healthcare
Dr. Sumbul Desai, Apple's vice president of Health, emphasized the transformative role of technology in healthcare. He said, "At Apple, we believe technology can play a key role in the evolution of healthcare." With capabilities to transform user location, display life-size 3D objects, and consolidate relevant data in one view, the Vision Pro presents unlimited opportunities for healthcare developers to enhance procedural planning, education, and patient outcomes.
Priced at $3,499, the Vision Pro headset seamlessly toggles between the real and digital worlds, providing utilities in work, communication, entertainment, and now, crucially, healthcare.
In conclusion, Apple's Vision Pro is proving to be a revolutionary tool in the medical field, offering improved precision, better patient outcomes, and new possibilities in surgical and healthcare practices around the world. As more healthcare professionals adopt this technology, the future of medicine looks to be increasingly integrated with advanced digital tools, promising a new era of medical innovation.