ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Since the introduction of wearable head-up displays, there has been much interest in the surgical community adapting this technology into routine surgical practice. METHODS: We used the keywords augmented reality OR wearable device OR head-up display AND surgery using PubMed, EBSCO, IEEE and SCOPUS databases. After exclusions, 74 published articles that evaluated the utility of wearable head-up displays in surgical settings were included in our review. RESULTS: Across all studies, the most common use of head-up displays was in cases of live streaming from surgical microscopes, navigation, monitoring of vital signs, and display of preoperative images. The most commonly used head-up display was Google Glass. Head-up displays enhanced surgeons' operating experience; common disadvantages include limited battery life, display size and discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: Due to ergonomic issues with dual-screen devices, augmented reality devices with the capacity to overlay images onto the surgical field will be key features of next-generation surgical head-up displays.
Subject(s)
Surgery, Computer-Assisted/methods , Wearable Electronic Devices , Computer Simulation , Equipment Design , Humans , Surgeons , Surgery, Computer-Assisted/instrumentation , Surgery, Computer-Assisted/trends , Wearable Electronic Devices/trendsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The primary aim of this study was to determine the safety and feasibility of capturing and streaming neuronavigation images onto a head-up display during spine instrumentation. METHODS: Using a novel device, neuronavigation images were captured and transferred wirelessly via a password-encrypted network to the head-up display. At the end of the procedure, the surgeons completed a survey to gather their opinions of the system. RESULTS: Forty pedicle screws were placed using the head-up display. The average screw placement time was slightly shorter when the head-up display was used (4.13 min with vs. 4.86 min without). The post-procedure survey demonstrated that 79% of surgeon's responses were positive. CONCLUSION: A wearable head-up display can benefit current neuronavigation systems, but larger, outcomes-based trials are needed. Higher processing speed would allow streaming of higher resolution images. Along with an enlarged display, these may significantly improve utilization of this technology. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
