The FDA has approved an augmented reality system that renders 3D holograms from CT images to guide surgeons operating the spine such that they don’t need to toggle their eyes between the patient and a monitor.
Utah-based Novarad announced the green light June 15.
Called VisAR, the system uses image visible CT fiducial markers to precisely automate hologram/patient overlays.
Novarad says the system takes less than two minutes to set up in the OR and, during pre-op preparation, facilitates surgical planning, virtual annotations, segmentation and bi-directional image connectivity.
Novarad CE and VisAr co-creator Wendell Gibby, MD, a neuroradiologist, says the technology “provides the precision of a robot, the portability of a stethoscope and the versatility of human powered intelligence. Like a surgical GPS, VisAR provides a roadmap to guide the surgeon to the pathology of interest.”
The announcement also quotes a University of Utah neurosurgeon who calls the system “groundbreaking, revolutionary technology.”
Novarad says it partnered with Microsoft to adapt its off-the-shelf AR headset technology, adding that VisAR is built on Novarad imaging technology to supply interoperability, HIPAA compliance, image management and deep security.
Full announcement here.
More Coverage of Augmented Reality:
Novarad’s augmented reality solution gains FDA clearance
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Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.