Is interventional radiology ready for augmented reality?

Augmented reality (AR) systems may enhance image-guided tumor ablations by improving the accuracy of needle placements, according to a study published January 29 in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences. In a medical literature review, a group at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, said they found compelling evidence that AR can offer interventional radiologists real-time guidance and enhanced visualization during these procedures, noted first author Yousif Al-Naser and colleagues. “These findings collectively support the potential benefits of AR systems in enhancing image-guided tumor ablations,” the group wrote.Interventional radiologists use minimally invasive image-guided procedures for diagnosing and treating various conditions, including alcohol and thermal tumor ablation techniques. Yet these procedures present challenges such as increased procedure time, radiation dose, and risk of tissue injury, the authors noted.AR technology presents virtual objects to the real environment by overlaying digital content onto a user's real-world view. The technology can display target lesions and adjacent tissues directly onto procedural zones and thus eliminate the need for clinicians to alternate between patient and image displays, for instance. Recent accomplishments with performing the first AR-assisted shoulder replacement demonstrate progress and indicate that the translation of AR technology into the interventional radiology suite may be approaching,...
Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: Interventional Radiology Source Type: news