Human surgery training has used the classical approach of dissections of bodies and presence in live surgery for a long time. These means offer truly priceless opportunities to learn but multiple problems lie in accessibility, interactivity, and safety. AR has started a new era in surgical training through its affordability, interactivity, and safety. However, there still exists a need for proof regarding its effectiveness and the possibility of any negative effects. In this article, we examine how to apply AR in the realm of surgical training and simulation and notice how it may be able to revolutionize the process.
Enhanced Visualization
One of the main privileges of AR in surgical instruction is that it serves to offer visualization that is upgraded. Contrary to traditional methods that only use static pictures or physical models, AR displays anatomical data such as organs and tissues just as they are in a real-life surgical environment.
The use of advanced medical software gives the trainees an unsurpassed observation of the complex anatomy connections. Consequently, it boosts the spatial awareness and the depth perception of the trainees. Trainees can have practical experience as they learn to discern between the various anatomical structures and locate them in their spatial relations, being critical to surgical precision.
Interactive Learning
AR promotes training that consists of two-way communication with the trainee, instead of sheltering them from physical experience. By using AR in simulation surgery, trainees can improve their skills by practicing surgical procedures in a face-to-face environment and getting automated feedback on their moves and operations.
This method of errata practice is beneficial for the trainees because they will be able to hone their skills, know their weak spots, and learn from their mistakes. Not only does AR promote a better way of learning but it also improves comprehension as it stimulates them to use their brains and body as if they were doing the procedures themselves. Hence, this ensures that trainees are mentally ready to overcome real surgical uncertain situations.
Real-time Guidance
The instrumentation AR imparts during surgery is the real-time orientation and sighting for surgeons which prompt decision making and navigation. Implementation AR with an overlay of instructions and anatomic annotations to the surgeon’s field of view will provide step by step guidance helping the doctor to perform each step of their procedure.
Receiving instant feedback upgrades the situational awareness level and reduces the chances of mistakes, particularly in complicated surgeries where every action requires a lot of thinking. A surgeon would obtain guidance through AR means and do his/her task with full confidence and accuracy, the second important expression that will lead to better results.
Remote Training Opportunities
AR has the potential to shift the paradigm of remote surgical education by nullifying the spatial constraints and connecting people to the difficult operation side of the specialty. The trainer might similarly mentor junior surgeons remotely with the AR tools available to gain a perspective and get recommendations instantly. Through this interdisciplinary approach not only the knowledge transfer is facilitated but also a community spirit is aroused among participants and trainers. In fact, AR training will help trainees learn at the pace that they are comfortable with for the issues to register in their heads for in-depth understanding and outstanding performance.
Endnote
Along with the advantages brought by AR in trained surgery, it comes with the baggage of challenges that require to be solved to be able to obtain the application’s full potential. Cost, real technical complexity, and training protocols, standardized for all, are the top barriers in the way to wide AR use in surgical training.
Nonetheless, research and development proceed in this direction to avoid a rise of the above-mentioned hindrances and increase the use of AR in surgery training. Technology without a doubt will move on and become more and more advanced. This will lead to the creation of new and more demanding AR-related innovations in the field of AR-driven surgical education, radically impacting the mode of training and preparation for the operating room.
