Virtual reality, augmented reality and surgical training
Virtual reality, also known as VR, is a computer-generated simulated experience that provides a varied range of scenarios in which a person can interact with an artificial three-dimensional environment. Unlike AR, users are more immersed in the simulation as they experience the situation instead of looking at them through a screen. VR requires a headset where, within the headset, there is a screen for each eye. It prevents any interaction with the outside world. There are also two autofocus lenses placed between the eyes and the display screens. The visuals of the display screen are sent from the console to the headset via an HDMI cable. To create a realistic simulation, these lenses can focus, shift and angle the display screens to mimic human vision. Another vital function of VR is head tracking, where the
displays screen changes according to the direction of the head movement. The six degrees of freedom system is implemented into the programme, where they measure the motions using the X, Y, and Z-axis (Anurag, 2018). Another function of VR that has been developing over time is motion tracking, which allows us to interact with the simulation with hand movements. For example, the Ultraleap company has designed a Leap Motion controller that tracks advanced hand movements without direct interactions with the controller.
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A VR headset.
Traditional surgeon training
A surgeon has to explain surgical procedures and risks to patients, carry out operations with a team, write reports for progress tracking, etc. Becoming a surgeon requires a long training period and a varied range of skills and knowledge. Trainees first need to complete an undergraduate degree in medicine, followed by a two-year foundation training, in which they get a job in a clinic and change into different specialities at regular intervals. They then move on to core surgical training in a hospital setting for two years, which focuses on a particular speciality. Trainees need to go into speciality training at a hospital which can last up to six years ( Surgery Career Paths , n.d.) .
AR and VR in surgical training
The number of AR and VR applications developing increased significantly over the years. One of the advanced AR software is MaestroAR, an augmented reality-based programme that uses a pre-recorded surgical video as a guide for trainees, along with step-by-step procedures. In the software, users are asked questions in different scenarios, and it aims to develop their decision-making skills and surgical skills needed ( MaestroAR ® , n.d.). Another example of advanced technology created for surgical training is Osso
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VR, a virtual reality surgical training platform with three aims: improving outcomes, increasing adaptations, and democratizing access. It also includes objective assessments and analyses of the entire process to review the surgical skills and level of proficiency reached by the users ( The Osso Story , n.d.). Another VR software company is Fundamental Surgery, a medical education platform that has created a variety of software that has functions including collaboratively performing a surgery, showcasing medical models, and delivering full kinaesthetic force feedback from surgical instruments ( FundamentalVR , n.d.).
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