Innovative technology helps surgeons visualize operations

Healthcare providers are using AR and VR technology to improve surgical outcomes. Are they effective?

While the medical world is still waiting for Star Trek's tricorder, some doctors are apparently already using X-ray glasses.

This is news from New Jersey, where two neurosurgeons successfully performed spinal surgery using FDA-cleared augmented reality technology that allows them to view the patient's anatomy during surgery.

Augmented reality makes it possible to see inside the spine with pinpoint precision and apply a variety of instruments in the least invasive way, Dr. Roy Binghan, co-founder of New Jersey Brain and Spine (NJBS), said in a press release It's a navigation tool that gives us more in-depth information than X-rays can provide in the operating room.

“It's a moment of wonder, like looking through a telescope and seeing the stars,” he added. “Suddenly the world opens up before you in a different way.”

[Also read: Is Healthcare Moving Toward a 3D EHR?]

AR and VR (virtual reality) technologies have been slowly but surely being introduced into healthcare, with benefits for patients and healthcare providers. Health systems and hospitals are experimenting with the technology as a decision support tool, allowing clinicians to see objects in new and often much more detailed perspectives.

This is especially true in spine surgery, where clinicians have been using AR and VR for a long time.

At NJBS, Vingan and co-founder neurosurgeon Patrick Ross, MD, use the Augmedics xvision Spine System, which uses a transparent near-eye display headset to show the position of surgical instruments overlaid on the patient's CT data, an image that the surgeon views through the headset during surgery.

NJBS surgeons have used the technology in more than 40 surgeries in the past six months, and AugMedics says its technology has helped treat more than 6,500 patients across 24 states. Nationally, dozens of health systems, including Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins and UConn Health, are using the technology in surgeries, primarily since 2019 or 2020.

Proponents claim the technology will improve minimally invasive surgery by enabling surgeons to more precisely guide instruments and implants, which will result in more precise procedures, smaller incisions, and better clinical outcomes, including less pain and faster recovery times for patients.

It's also a marketing tool: In addition to innovative technologies like surgical robots, health systems and hospitals are leveraging AR/VR capabilities as a way to attract new surgeons at a time when labor shortages are common and talented talent is hard to come by.

“I believe one of the strengths of our practice is that our surgeons have the flexibility to understand a situation, improvise and think outside the box,” Roth said in a press release. “We are committed to progress, allowing us to provide the best possible care.”

Eric Wicklund is the associate content manager and senior editor of innovation at HealthLeaders.

What Are The Main Benefits Of Comparing Car Insurance Quotes Online

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 24, 2020, / Compare-autoinsurance.Org has launched a new blog post that presents the main benefits of comparing multiple car insurance quotes. For more info and free online quotes, please visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/the-advantages-of-comparing-prices-with-car-insurance-quotes-online/ The modern society has numerous technological advantages. One important advantage is the speed at which information is sent and received. With the help of the internet, the shopping habits of many persons have drastically changed. The car insurance industry hasn't remained untouched by these changes. On the internet, drivers can compare insurance prices and find out which sellers have the best offers. View photos The advantages of comparing online car insurance quotes are the following: Online quotes can be obtained from anywhere and at any time. Unlike physical insurance agencies, websites don't have a specific schedule and they are available at any time. Drivers that have busy working schedules, can compare quotes from anywhere and at any time, even at midnight. Multiple choices. Almost all insurance providers, no matter if they are well-known brands or just local insurers, have an online presence. Online quotes will allow policyholders the chance to discover multiple insurance companies and check their prices. Drivers are no longer required to get quotes from just a few known insurance companies. Also, local and regional insurers can provide lower insurance rates for the same services. Accurate insurance estimates. Online quotes can only be accurate if the customers provide accurate and real info about their car models and driving history. Lying about past driving incidents can make the price estimates to be lower, but when dealing with an insurance company lying to them is useless. Usually, insurance companies will do research about a potential customer before granting him coverage. Online quotes can be sorted easily. Although drivers are recommended to not choose a policy just based on its price, drivers can easily sort quotes by insurance price. Using brokerage websites will allow drivers to get quotes from multiple insurers, thus making the comparison faster and easier. For additional info, money-saving tips, and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ Compare-autoinsurance.Org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc. "Online quotes can easily help drivers obtain better car insurance deals. All they have to do is to complete an online form with accurate and real info, then compare prices", said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company. CONTACT: Company Name: Internet Marketing CompanyPerson for contact Name: Gurgu CPhone Number: (818) 359-3898Email: [email protected]: https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ SOURCE: Compare-autoinsurance.Org View source version on accesswire.Com:https://www.Accesswire.Com/595055/What-Are-The-Main-Benefits-Of-Comparing-Car-Insurance-Quotes-Online View photos