Augmented reality (AR) is not limited to the gaming arena. The technology is creating gigantic waves in healthcare. Yes, you heard, right! AR in Healthcare has created a future of limitless possibilities. The world of AR with goofy-looking headgear and sci-fi detours is ready to transform patient medical experiences. The next generation will make more distinguished advances, and we can expect more meaningful AR journeys. As a healthcare organization, you’d want to know everything about the thriving technology. We got you. In this blog, we will be looking at some of the most significant AR use cases in healthcare. Let’s dive in! Advancements in Augmented Reality—Critical Insights Before we look at some of the promising insights of augmented reality in the medical field, here are some crucial facts: According to Gartner, 5G mobile network technology represents an opportunity to accelerate the adoption of AR. ( Sources ) Gartner conducted a 5G enterprise survey. The study highlights that AR/VR applications of 5G attract the highest expectations and are drivers of new revenue across all use cases and respondents. ( Source ) According to Forrester, by 2021, AR will be commonplace, while VR remains niche. ( Source ) According to Zion Market Research, the Global Healthcare AR/VR market will reach USD 5,115 Million By 2025. The estimate will be at a CAGR of around 29.2% between 2019 and 2025. ( Source ) Another critical insight where experts highlight the AR market would grow into an 18 billion USD valuation by 2023. ( Source ) It is quite evident that augmented journeys are essential. The critical question is—what does it mean for your healthcare organization? How will you benefit from the augmented reality journey? Let’s find out. Opportunities for Augmented Reality in Healthcare The new applications for AR in the healthcare sector can enhance patient care. How? First, AR can help doctors diagnose and treat patients accurately. With access to real-time patient data, they can perform functions better than before. The novel ways of AR in the healthcare industry are groundbreaking. Let’s check out some of the new opportunities. 1. Augmented Surgery Imagine the power of AR—surgeons visualizing bones and internal organs of patients without having to cut open a body. Now, that’s great, isn’t it? Surgeons can get access to real-time, life-saving patient information. They can now use this data during complicated or straightforward procedures. How? Surgeons can use AR to study their patients’ anatomy. They can enter their MRI data, and CT scans into an AR headset. Then, overlay specific patient anatomy on top of their body before going into surgery. The process will help surgeons to visualize muscles, bones, and internal organs. You’re right without cutting open a body! With AR, surgeons can perform accurate and low-risk surgeries, saving time. Scenario: Surgeons and doctors at hospitals like Imperial College and St. Mary’s Hospital in London have begun using Microsoft’s HoloLens AR glasses during reconstructive surgery on patients who have suffered severe injuries. Startups in Augmented Surgery Let’s look at some of the promising startups in the augmented surgery arena. Startup Features BioFlightVR Offers VR/AR doctor training and 360° enhanced videos AR/VR medical training module helps students and doctors refine their learning and increase retention. EchoPixel Uses medical imaging devices, helping physicians with displays of a 3D model, using CT images of a patient’s abdomen EchoPixel True 3D AR product uses medical image datasets enabling medical professionals to see patient-specific anatomy in an open 3D space Vipaar AR video support solution Enables surgeons to remotely project their hands into the display of a surgeon on site wearing the AR technology and guide during the procedure Proximie Provides hands-on virtual assistance Enables a remote surgeon to virtually scrub-in Medical Realities Offers medical training products, specializing in AR/VR and gaming Medical procedures can be viewable on consumer VR devices, such as the Oculus Rift 2. Augmented Diagnosis You must have observed that some patients find it challenging to describe their symptoms to doctors accurately. Now, with AR, patients will be able to express their symptoms better. The process will make it easier for doctors to determine their patients’ symptoms and accurately diagnose them. Scenario: Imagine a patient coming to a doctor for a necessary shot. The nurse can now use AR to find veins easily. How? Using AccuVein , an AR startup that uses a handheld scanner, nurses can determine where the veins are. Startups in Augmented Diagnostics Let’s look at some of the promising startups in the augmented diagnostics arena. Startup Features Orca Health’s EyeDecide - The app can simulate the impact of specific conditions on a person’s vision AccuVein - Uses AR and a handheld scanner that projects over the skin and shows nurses and doctors where veins are in t
