Novarad AR HoloLens system gets FDA approval for medical use

The FDA has cleared OpenSight Augmented Reality System, making it the first AR medical solution for Microsoft HoloLens receiving 510(k) clearance for use in pre-operative surgical planning.

OpenSight renders 2D, 3D and 4D images of patients interactively, while accurately overlaying them directly on the patient’s body. The solution, in combination with the patented virtual tool technology and an integrated targeting system, enables doctors to see the patient and into them simultaneously to plan the surgery more accurately.

OpenSight is unlike virtual reality (VR) and utilises the Microsoft HoloLens headset that not just allows one to see the 3D patient images in augmented reality (AR), but also to see the patient at the same time. Augmented reality helps to see the real-world, avoiding the disorientation of virtual reality.

OpenSight augmented reality allows a better understanding of anatomic relationships since the images are co-localised to the patient. Pre-operative planning with the use of OpenSight makes it possible to highlight relevant anatomy and avoid critical structures, as well as positioning of virtual tools and guidance systems to more accurately plan a surgical approach.

Back in June, a French start-up, Healthy Mind, the brainchild of three graduates in collaboration with psychiatrists and doctors, noted it was also exploring the use of VR in hospitals as an alternative to anaesthetics for minor operations, and has reported “positive” feedback from early trials. The startup uses virtual environments to help ease the pain of smaller operations without the use of drugs, while reducing the anxiety commonly felt in hospital environments. Patients equipped with Oculus Rift or HTC Vive headsets can choose from a library of interactive or passive natural environments to keep their minds and bodies relaxed.

https://www.virtualreality-news.net/news/2018/oct/30/novarad-ar-hololens-system-gets-fda-approval-medical-use/