Researchers at Pitt explore the limitations of current augmented reality (AR) surgical navigation technology and proposes hardware modifications to existing AR headsets, specifically the HoloLens 2 and the Magic Leap 2, in order to function optimally as intra-operative devices.
Description
Augmented reality surgical navigation has seen significant progress, particularly in neurological surgery, allowing surgeons to visualize complex pathology intra-operatively, ultimately improving surgical efficiency while reducing complications.
Applications
- surgery
- neurological surgery
- augmented reality surgical navigation
Advantages
Deficiencies in current leading augmented reality headsets prevent their adoption in the operating room. While these devices can overlay patient anatomy, pathology, and pre-planned surgical trajectories, they lack necessary supplementary capabilities essential for intra-operative use. These include high-lumen headlights, automated visor control, light filters for viewing fluorescent molecules, and a high-definition camera with zoom, all of which must be voice-controlled to ensure sterility throughout surgery.
Invention Readiness
This technology is at the concept level. This technology is specific hardware modifications required for augmented reality headsets to function effectively in the operating room. These modifications include a 3D camera with adjustable focal length, bilateral high-lumen headlights, rotating light filters for visualizing fluorescent molecules, and a feature to mechanically raise and drop the heads-up display. Furthermore, there is a need for voice activation and adjustability in a holographic menu for these hardware modifications.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2024077077A1
