Virtual reality in medicine

Main article: Virtual Reality (VR, Virtual Reality)

Ways to use VR in medicine

• Rehabilitation after strokes and heart attacks
• Simulation of surgery in cancer
• VR helps paralysis patients regain muscle activity
• Detailed analysis and examination of human body structures as well as their organs
• Detailed examination of the human body

Pain reduction

Main article: Pain reduction with virtual reality

2024

Pharmtechnologists in Russia began to be trained at virtual factories

In May 2024, the First Moscow State University named after I.M. Sechenov announced the launch of the Center for Competence in Pharmacy and Biotechnology, which operates on the basis of the A.P. Nelyubin Institute of Pharmacy. Read more here.

Sechenov University began to prepare developers of VR and AR solutions in medicine

In mid-March 2024, the First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov (Sechenov University) announced the start of training developers of solutions for virtual (VR) and augmented (AR) reality in medicine and medical education. The course is designed for nine months - approximately 260 hours of training.

The program covers such areas as the theoretical foundations of AR/VR and mixed reality systems, artificial intelligence in medicine, the use of wearable devices, neurointerfaces in digital medicine, the principles of developing mobile applications, 3D modeling, machine learning programming, etc. The course is available to students, undergraduates and residents. 345 students are expected to master the program in 2024. Training is free of charge under the Priority-2030 strategic academic leadership program.

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As the Vedomosti newspaper notes, referring to information received from representatives of Sechenov University, the students of the course create projects for the design of AR/VR to teach AI the diagnosis of various conditions. In addition, VR solutions are being designed to train emergency and emergency specialists using AI. Virtual emergency scenarios are being developed to train doctors and nurses. AR technologies are applied to improve the visualization of health information and help physicians make decisions.

In the future, an abbreviated version of the course for medical practitioners and graduate students will become available. The period for mastering the online advanced training program will be 144 hours, the duration is three months. Stanislav Gribkov, one of the developers of the educational course, notes that the most successful projects proposed by students will be able to undergo an acceleration program for biomedtech startups Sechenov Tech in the future.^[1]

2023

Spending on virtual and augmented reality systems in medicine has increased worldwide

The volume of the global market for immersive technologies in the field health care in 2023 reached $1.19 billion. This is about 12% more compared to the result for 2022, when the costs in the area under consideration were estimated at $1.06 billion. Such data are given in the Market Research Future study, the results of which were published in mid-July 2024.

Analysts consider costs in segments such as, and virtual (VR) augmented (AR) mixed (MR) reality. Considered, software equipment (helmets, glasses, gesture tracking devices, projectors, video walls, etc.), as well as related services and platforms. One of the drivers of the industry is the increase in patient involvement in medical processes. Specifically, using a VR headset, patients can study 3D anatomical models, take virtual tours of their bodies and observe medical procedures. Through this experience, people can better understand the features of their diseases as well as evaluate the available treatments.

Immersive technology, the study notes, is increasingly being used in pediatric medicine: virtual reality can be a distraction for young children. Gamification and the immersion effect help patients adhere to the treatment regimen, which ultimately improves therapy outcomes. At the same time, VR-based rehabilitation programs offer exciting exercises and activities that help patients recover from injuries or operations. In addition, VR/AR/MR systems can be applied to train medical personnel: surgeons, for example, are able to practice complex procedures in a virtual environment.

The largest regional immersive technology market in medicine is North America, which accounted for approximately 45.8% of total revenue in 2022. Numerous leading IT companies and academic centers are developing VR/AR applications for the healthcare industry. In addition, the innovation and implementation of such solutions is supported by collaboration between academia, business and health care providers. Europe is in second place in terms of spending share, while the Asia-Pacific region closes the top three, where the highest growth rates are observed. It is noted that innovative approaches are needed to meet medical needs in densely populated countries, and immersive technologies can help increase access to medical care.

Significant players in the global market are named, Acer, Atheer Carl Zeiss AG, CM Labs Simulations,,,, EON Reality Google HCL Technologies Honeywell International,,,,,,, etc HTC Lockheed Martin Magic Leap. Samsung Sony Varjo Technologies Oy It is said that leading companies are investing heavily in research and development to expand the product range and improve the functionality of VR/AR/MR devices. In 2022, the hardware segment dominated the market. An important driver is the development of more advanced and user-friendly headsets. These helmets become lighter and more affordable, which drives sales growth.

Market Research Future analysts believe that in the future, spending on virtual and augmented reality systems in medicine will continue to increase. The CAGR (compound percentage CAGR) is expected to be 18.5%. As a result, by 2032 the volume of the industry will reach $5.47 billion.^[2]

Russian company registers glasses for surgeons with X-ray vision effect

The Company "Mejital"(Skolkovo resident the Group) ВЭБ.РФ has received a marketing authorization for a navigation system for surgeries Medjitalvizhn based on the use of technology. augmented reality The cost of development was about 30 million, rubles representatives Skolkovo Foundation medical that of the portal reported on December 4, 2023. Zdrav.Expert More. here

How virtual reality helps perform complex cancer operations

Virtual reality (VR) models based on preoperative research can improve the planning and execution of complex surgical procedures in cancer. This is stated in the study, the results of which were published on August 2, 2023 by the Journal of Surgical Research.

A team of specialists led by Vadim Luxemburg, PhD, of the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria, compared the results of operations planned using traditional preoperative 2D imaging and using VR technology. It turned out that VR models allow you to form a more accurate operational plan. In addition, this approach increases the confidence of both operating and consulting surgeons.

Virtual reality models based on preoperative research can improve the planning and execution of complex surgical procedures

In almost all cases for an operating surgeon and in most cases for a consulting surgeon, the level of confidence in terms of virtual reality surgery has increased compared to 2D imaging, the study says.

In particular, among doctors who directly perform the procedure for the removal of a malignant formation, surgical confidence in the introduction of VR increased by an average of 15%. For medical consultants, the growth was at the level of 8%.

The authors of the work note that VR models can be created based on traditional imaging tools, even in areas with complex anatomical variations. However, this requires high-quality 2D images that can be obtained through computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, VR technologies could help pinpoint tumor locations in patients with very small malignancies that researchers say are difficult to identify during surgery.^[3]

Digital therapy launched to treat 'lazy eye' disease

On June 27, 2023, the American company Luminopia announced a virtual reality (VR) digital system for the treatment of amblyopia in children aged four to seven years. Read more here.

In Russia, created a federal competence center for VR and AR technologies in medicine

Minister of Health RFMikhail Murashko signed an order to create a federal competence center for virtual (VR) and augmented reality ( AR) technologies in Russia on the basis of Samara State Medical University. The press service of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation announced this on June 27, 2023. Read more here.

Russian company presented a holographic navigation system for surgery

In June 2023, the Russian company Medgital (Medjital), which is a resident of Skolkovo, presented a holographic navigation system for surgery. According to the developers, with the help of mixed reality technology, the doctor acquires the ability of X-ray vision and can see all the necessary internal anatomical structures and, based on this, plan his actions during the operation. Read more here.

Russian clinics began to introduce psychotherapy in virtual reality

The department's Center for Speech Pathology and Neurorehabilitation health care Moscow began using technology virtual reality () VR to work with inpatient patients with symptoms of apathy, fatigue, and mood deterioration. This was announced in June 2023 by the psychiatrist of the center, an employee of the laboratory of psychopharmacology of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Scientific Center for Mental Health" Allan Beniashvili. According to him, the technology is also used at the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Federal Research Center of Nutrition and Biotechnology" and the National Medical Research Center of Cardiology of the Ministry of Health, Russia whose specialists undergo advanced training in the research group of the center. More. here

Platform for creating VR copies of MRI and CT patients for surgical planning is out

On June 6, 2023, medical tech startup Avatar Medical announced an advanced virtual reality (VR) platform for creating digital copies of patients. This solution will help doctors in planning surgical procedures, which will increase the effectiveness of operations and reduce possible risks. Read more here.

Advanced reality glasses for surgeons with light field technology created

In mid-February 2023, FYR Medical unveiled what it claims is the world's first extended reality digital glasses that use light field technology. The development is designed to reduce the tension and fatigue of the eyes characteristic of most augmented and virtual reality headsets on the market. Read more here.

2022

Hologram surgical planning system released

On December 5, 2022, the company apoQlar announced the release of an assisted surgery planning system ON mixed reality called. VSI HoloMedicine More. here

British doctors are given VR glasses for visits to patients. They are needed for remote consultations and EDO

Nurses in a number of areas of England will receive virtual reality glasses when visiting patients at home. VR devices are planned to be used for remote consultations and electronic document management. Also in the National Health Service of Great Britain (NHS) expect that gadgets will help improve the quality of service. This was reported on August 20, 2022 by Bloomberg.

Having received the prior consent of patients, nurses using VR headsets will be able to decrypt medical records, automate administrative work and consult with colleagues in the hospital via video link. In addition, the thermal imaging technology provided in the glasses will be useful when examining wounds and damages. The tests will be carried out from the end of August at NHS medical facilities in North Lincolnshire and Goole, England, the BBC medical department quoted as saying.

British doctors are given VR glasses to visit patients

It is estimated that district nurses spend more than half of their working days filling out forms and entering patient data. By automating tasks that would otherwise have to be done manually, health professionals will be able to devote more time to other duties, such as measuring blood pressure, dressing wounds and assessing a patient's needs, the NHS stressed.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg observers note that in recent years, the system health care Great Britain has been experiencing a serious overload due to underfunding and ongoing outbreaks of coronavirus. According to data, in Reuters September-October, the largest nurses' union Royal College of Nursing (RCN), representing the interests of more than 250 thousand health workers, will vote on a strike due to insufficient salary increases amid a sharp rise in the price of life. If most support the idea, it would be the first nurses strike in the RCN union's 106-year history.^[4]

Health workers began to learn how to work with violent patients in virtual reality

On June 6, 2022, researchers at the National University of Singapore announced the development and implementation of a virtual reality learning system that allows medical staff to learn how to cope with excited or aggressive patients. Read more here.

A virtual telehabilitation platform has been created in Russia

Virtual Rehabilitation has developed VRMedSoft, a VR hardware and software complex for correctly determining the necessary program for the rehabilitation of cognitive functions, distractions from pain and stabilization of the psycho-emotional state. Information about this appeared on April 12, 2022. Read more here.

2021

Doctors start showing long-term effects of virtual reality surgery

In the UK, on November 23, 2021, they began to use an artificial intelligence (AI) platform, which shows the consequences of surgical operations, in virtual reality ( VR ).

The technology was first used when Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital proposed surgery for six-month-old Archie, who was born with sagittal sinostosis, a condition in which the growth lines in his skull fused too early.

Thanks to this technology, it was easier for his parents Amanda and Judd Mikhnovets to assess the consequences of the operation and decide on surgery.

Doctors start showing long-term effects of virtual reality surgery

At the first consultation, the immersive environment allowed them from all sides to see Archie's head reconstruction created by CT scans. The virtual reality environment shows Archie's current head shape (grey) and predicted post-surgery changes (green).

The algorithms needed to create these latest images have been made possible by the use of 60 operations data over the past seven years.

Dr Noor Ul Owase Jilani, a consultant pediatric neurosurgeon, said the technology allows patients to have a clearer idea of what the future holds.

Now that they're signing the consent form, I would call it a really informed consent, "the neurosurgeon said. - What I would like to see as a surgeon in 10 or possibly 20 years is that much of the surgical practice is done in a way where control and power is largely given to parents and patients, he added.

A few weeks later, when his parents confirmed their decision to continue treatment, Archie went for surgery. During the operation, a small spring was inserted into his skull, which should adjust the shape of his head. The placement and influence of this spring has also been illustrated in a virtual reality environment. After four weeks, the spring was removed.

The technology was created for one specific case, however, it is likely that it will be applied in many surgical interventions in the future.^[5]

A platform has been released to help surgeons create VR models of operations using CT

In late September 2021, the company Kinomatic launched a template-based platform virtual reality that allows surgeons to develop customized plans for knee and hip arthroplasty. More. here

Innopolis University has developed a digital operating room

Innopolis University on February 16, 2021 announced the development of a digital operating room. Read more here.

2020

Announcement of ImmersiveView Surgical Plan (IVSP) - VR-platform for planning operations by dentists

In mid-October 2020, surgical planning software developer ImmersiveTouch unveiled its ImmersiveView Surgical Plan (IVSP) digital surgery VR platform. It is intended for dentists and maxillofacial surgeons. Read more here.

Osso VR Announcement - Virtual Reality Hip and Knee Training Platform

In mid-August 2020, a new module was launched for conducting training operations on the hip and knee in virtual reality (VR) on the Osso VR platform. In a pandemic, developers are prioritizing expanding the curriculum in several specialties to ensure continuous training for medical students and residents. Read more here.

Students allowed to undergo virtual reality surgery

In early June 2020, the University of Japan began using virtual reality (VR) to educate students amid the coronavirus pandemic. Read more here.

VR technologies for teaching the future. Video

Learning technologies of the future will help to see in detail the structure of the human body.

2019

How virtual reality is helping people with dementia in UK care homes

In mid-September 2019, as part of a study in one of the Oxford nursing homes, they began to introduce virtual reality technologies to help patients with dementia. In this case, virtual reality paintings are created individually for each patient.

The pilot team agreed with nursing home workers and created a panorama of paintings from the past for dementia patients. Several patients were sent to the memories of their youth: to dance halls with rock and roll from the 1950s, to the church where they married, on trips abroad. Patients described the experienced sensations as "amazing" and added that after such a shake-up they feel much more vigorous. The use of VR technology has improved communication and cognitive abilities in more than half of dementia patients who took part in the study, scientists report.

Study in one of Oxford care homes begins to introduce virtual reality technology to help dementia patients

The pilot was launched at a care home at Marston Court, run by the St John Care Trust's charitable orders. It is not yet clear how long the study will last, how many patients will be involved and when the final results will be published. So far, the results cannot but rejoice: for example, one of the patients with dementia, having visited the virtual apartment where she lived after marriage, managed to remember her address and route to the bus stop.

However, sometimes researchers limit the fear of causing unpleasant or upsetting memories - this is a long-known problem when it comes to VR trials among dementia patients. Nursing homes were already reportedly refusing the services of companies that offered to show patients personnel from the Second World War. Doctors feared it could prove too traumatic an experience for patients.^[6]

Use for the treatment of dementia

In early July 2019, the British-Gambian startup VR Revival offered an interactive and personalized virtual reality platform that should help people with dementia. The long-term goal of the project is to improve the quality of life of both patients and caregivers, and to raise awareness of the condition among the African population. Read more here.

2018

GE Healthcare Teaches How To Serve Medical Equipment In Virtual Reality

In June 2018, GE Healthcare introduced a dedicated virtual reality program to train engineers working with medical equipment. Read more here.

Microsoft unveils VR system for the blind

In February 2018, Microsoft introduced a virtual reality (VR) system that will allow visually impaired people to navigate space. The project was named Canetroller. Read more here.

2017

The market for virtual reality technologies for healthcare was estimated at $770 million

By 2023, the volume of the global technology market added (virtual reality Augmented and Virtual Reality, AR/VR) for health care will approach $5 billion. This forecast was made on November 30, 2017 by the analytical company Research and Markets.

According to experts, in 2017, AR and VR medical technologies will provide revenue of $769.2 million. By 2023, the market volume in money will grow almost 6.5 times and reach $4.99 billion. With this in mind, the CAGR in the market under consideration is expected to be 36.6% in the specified seven-year period.

The global market for AR and VR technologies for healthcare will approach $5 billion in 2023

Among the main drivers that will provide positive dynamics, analysts point to the spread of connected devices in the healthcare system, increased investment in augmented and virtual reality technologies and the growing need to optimize medical costs. Limiting factors may be the lack of knowledge necessary to implement AR and VR solutions, as well as the lack of qualification of doctors in the field of these technologies.

Research and Markets believes that AR and VR solutions can be useful for organizing remote consultations between patients and doctors. Also, augmented and virtual reality technologies will be increasingly used for medical and rehabilitation purposes.

In addition, the use of AR and VR systems will increase the efficiency of diagnostic laboratories. In particular, with their help, laboratories will be able to remotely collect samples and operational data in remote regions, and services based on augmented and virtual reality technologies will allow small and medium-sized laboratories to automate research and organize remote equipment monitoring.^[7]

In the UK, performed an operation on the open brain and filmed it in virtual reality

In September 2017, it became known that a team of neurosurgeons from London performed an operation on the patient's open brain, recording the entire process on a camera with the effect of immersion in virtual reality. Read more here.

2016

Use for 3D imaging of a fetus in the womb

In November 2016, Brazilian scientists demonstrated 3D imaging technology for a baby in the womb. A new development built on virtual reality (VR) allows you to see the fruit with high accuracy.

The inventors combined the method of ultrasound with magnetic resonance imaging by scanning individual areas of the internal surface of the uterus and the body of the fetus. As a result, a three-dimensional image is built that can be revived by wearing a virtual reality helmet. To enhance the effect of presence , fetal heartbeat sounds obtained by ultrasound were added to the models.

3D fetal model at Week 12

According to scientists, the resulting volumetric models make it possible to predict what a baby will look like after birth.

Three-dimensional embryo models and virtual reality technology can help us improve our understanding of how embryo anatomy works , and will allow us to use such images in teaching students and show them to expectant parents. They can be output through Occulus Rift and other virtual reality helmets, "said Heron Werner, one of the authors of the research paper.

3D fetal model at Week 26

The detailed 3D imaging method of the fetus also allows you to accurately examine the organs of women and the fetus in real time. So, with the help of VR glasses, scientists could examine in detail the state of the respiratory tract of the fetus, assess their patency and length. In the case of pathology, this would help decide on the need for postpartum surgery.

3D fetal model at Week 26

The development results of the project to build three-dimensional models of children in utero will be presented as part of the annual conference of the Radiological Community of North America RSNA 2016 (Chicago; November 27 - December 1).^[8]

Phobias will be treated with virtual reality

From July 7 to 8, Polymedia and Visiology held a corporate hackathon dedicated to the 18th anniversary of the leading Russian AV integrator Polymedia. Participants who crashed into 5 teams were asked to come up with and develop software for analyzing and visualizing data in the medical industry in 36 hours.

In two days of continuous work, the teams presented five working prototypes of information systems that allow analyzing and predicting the development of epidemics and calculating drug needs, treating phobias using virtual reality, helping the speech development of preschool children, predicting the likelihood of myocardial infarction, and collecting and structuring test results.

The hackathon was attended by the staff of the systems integrator Polymedia, the BI developer of Visiology, and the master's students of Innopolis University, undergoing industrial practice at Visiology.

Judging was based on five main criteria: quality of technical implementation (architectural solutions, code, technologies used), design and user experience, commercial potential of the product, quality of project management and presentation quality. The highest ratings for all these parameters were received by the Voskhod team, which was developing a phobia control system based on virtual reality technologies. The team demonstrated their project on the example of a prototype system for treating aerophobia (fear of flying on aircraft) using virtual reality glasses that simulate a flight situation, and a heart rate monitor that reads data on the patient's physical condition at the time this situation is played.

Best virtual reality technology developers in medicine

In March 2016, Technavio analysts presented a list of companies that they believe have made better progress in developing virtual reality technologies for healthcare.

• DeepStream. The company creates games that, according to the developers, help patients muffle pain and improve their overall well-being by immersing themselves in virtual reality.

• VirtaMed. The company offers a computer simulator with which novice surgeons can train in operations and work out their skills.

Use of a virtual reality helmet during surgery

• EON Reality. This provider of interactive 3D content is known in Russia. In 2014, CROC opened a center for 3D solutions based on EON Reality equipment in our country. Modern audiovisual technologies can be tested in this center: 3D projection on the screen, holographic projection on glass, virtual reality room, display with three-dimensional image without using special glasses, etc. Doctors in various countries of the world have already adopted the development of EON Reality.

• Vuzix. The company specializes in the development, manufacture, sale and promotion of wearable electronics. In January 2016, Intel invested about $25 million in Vuzix. Vuzix smart glasses have found application in various fields, including medicine.

• Virtalis. The former subsidiary of Muse Technologies is developing modeling systems for various equipment, including complex medical equipment.

• WorldViz. Another company that Intel financially supported. WorldViz creates 3D interactive and immersive visualization and modeling solutions. The technology of this startup is used in intraoperative ultrasound computed tomography to conduct research in the field of neurology and psychology.^[9]