Extended Reality in Biomedical Engineering - Step into Reality Through the Virtual World
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Extended Reality in Biomedical Engineering - Step into Reality Through the Virtual World

Team Careers360Updated on 15 Jan 2024, 03:19 PM IST

In this article Dr A. Kavitha and Dr S. Pravin have jointly shared their views on extended reality in Biomedical Engineering. Here you get to know how Extended reality (XR) technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) are reshaping the fabric of our existence.

Extended Reality in Biomedical Engineering - Step into Reality Through the Virtual World
Extended Reality in Biomedical Engineering

In the fast-paced world of technological evolution, innovations occasionally transcend mere acts of progress, reshaping the fabric of our existence. Extended reality (XR) technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), lead this transformation. They enable us to venture beyond physical boundaries and explore digital realms.

Today, XR isn't just a concept, it is a novel way to experience the world. VR immerses you in computer-generated environments, AR melds digital and real worlds, and MR combines both. These technologies don't just revolutionize work and play but are also transforming healthcare and Biomedical Engineering.

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According to Vnyz Research, the AR and VR industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 48.8% until 2025, reaching a total value of $161.1 billion. In healthcare, this growth holds immense potential.

XR Applications in Healthcare

The growing acceptance of mixed reality in healthcare settings is paving the way for transformative applications, from surgical simulations and medical training to patient diagnostics and telemedicine. AR and VR are set to play pivotal roles in enhancing healthcare service delivery and quality.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) find applications across diverse domains. In surgery, these immersive technologies provide real-time data visualization and 3D modelling, improving precision and reducing risks in complex procedures. In rehabilitation therapy, they offer personalized exercises that expedite patient recovery.

In medical education, AR and VR revolutionize learning by enabling virtual exploration of anatomy, simulation of medical scenarios, tele-training for remote mentorship, and collaborative learning. Human-robot interaction and robot interfaces have greatly improved thanks to MR technology, providing immersive learning experiences.

Augmented Reality

AR has significantly improved operations such as pedicle screw placement, vertebral interventions, and osteotomy planning in spine surgery. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and AR in healthcare, especially spine surgery, holds enormous potential for navigation, visualization, and patient outcomes.

For instance, in 2020, Johns Hopkins neurosurgeons performed the first augmented reality surgeries using the Augmedics device. European institutions developed the Video and Optical See-Through Augmented Reality Surgical System (VOSTARS) to enhance intraoperative guidance.

In India, institutions like AIIMS, IIT Bombay, and IIT Madras are implementing digital surgery planning using immersive technologies. A research team from SSN, Chennai is actively developing an affordable surgical navigation system for spine surgery.

A study in Portugal revealed that AR improves interactions between humans and robots by overlaying new information, redefining our relationship with technology.

Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality is proving its worth in stroke rehabilitation, aiding functional improvements in stroke patients through virtual exercises. A study with a 70-year-old patient, diagnosed with a Left Cerebrovascular accident, showed significant improvements with VR therapy. VR-based rehabilitation exercises offer a unique approach for individuals with movement disorders due to nerve cell degeneration.

Moreover, VR therapy has brought renewed hope to individuals grappling with movement disorders caused by nerve cell degeneration. Patients are motivated to regain mobility through VR-based retail therapy exercises, offering a unique and effective approach to rehabilitation.

Cancer patients battling not only their illness but also anxiety find relief through VR. It distracts from pain stimuli, offering emotional and physical solace during medical procedures. VR also plays a role in palliative care, providing diversion and healing for terminally ill patients.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite their promise, XR technologies face challenges. Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs) in surgery can cause headaches and discomfort, and the learning curve for XR is steep. Surgeons prioritize tactile feedback, and technical hurdles such as computing constraints, tracking issues, and overheating persist in XR systems. Ethical, security, and privacy concerns are also significant. Addressing these challenges will require continued collaboration between physicians and engineers.

Nevertheless, augmented reality and virtual reality shine as beacons of hope in medical treatment. As technology advances and partnerships flourish, the future of healthcare promises to be more immersive, interactive, and transformative than ever before.

By: Dr A. Kavitha, Professor and Head, Department of Biomedical Engineering, and Dr S. Pravin Kumar, Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering at Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering

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Questions related to SSN College of Engineering

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to SSN College of Engineering ?

Yes, with 973 marks in your intermediate exams, you have a strong chance of getting admission to SSN College of Engineering, especially through the management quota. However, competition is high, particularly for popular courses like IT and CSE, so it's important to also consider other avenues like TNEA (Tamil Nadu Engineering Admissions) and other state-level entrance exams.

Get more information here -:

https://www.careers360.com/colleges/sri-sivasubramaniya-nadar-college-of-engineering-kalavakkam/cut-off

Hello,

SSN College of Engineering admits students under the management quota based on merit, considering their academic performance in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics during their 12th grade

While specific sample question papers for the management quota entrance exam are not publicly available, the aptitude test generally includes basic quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and English language skills.

Hope it helps !

Hello there,

To get admission to the CSE (Computer Science Engineering) department at SSN College of Engineering , follow these steps:

1. Eligibility Criteria :

  • You must have completed your 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects.

  • You need to have a valid TNEA (Tamil Nadu Engineering Admissions) rank or JEE Mains score for admission under the general category.

    2. Cutoff for CSE :

  • The cutoff for CSE in SSN College of Engineering generally ranges between 1,500 to 10,000 rank in TNEA (depending on the demand and the number of applicants).

  • The cutoff for JEE Mains may also be considered if you're applying through that route, with the expected score being around 200-250+ for general category students.

    3. Management Quota :

  • Management Quota allows you to secure admission even if you do not meet the cutoff criteria. However, the fee structure is significantly higher for these seats.

  • Admission under Management Quota is typically based on your academic performance and donation fees , and it doesn't follow the official cutoff criteria.

  • You need to contact the college’s management or admission office directly for more details about the procedure and fees for management quota seats.

It’s recommended to keep a close eye on official notifications from the college for the latest updates regarding admission and cutoff.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


Hello,

Hope you are doing well!

You need to be more clear while asking any query so that we can answer correctly. But in general if you ask me, then yes you can get admission in some colleges based on your class 12th result. I myself got admission based on my class 12th result.

Hope this will help.

Hello Aspirant,

I hope you are doing well.

SSN has the benefit of being much less constrictive than other institutions at Anna University and allowing you to discover your skills. We have a fantastic quiz club, a very busy English Literary Club, and a very skilled Drama Club that has performed plays like a professional theatre company, among other things.

Nearly every week, tests are given in two subjects, but they are far more evenly spread out and less demanding than the daily exams given in other colleges. Over the course of two semesters, the majority of the professors I spoke with were quite knowledgable about their fields. Every student on this school has attendance concerns, but generally speaking, it's not impossible to skip a class once in a while.

For first-year students, getting exemptions to attend competitions is challenging, but after making a positive impression on your lecturers, it becomes comparatively simpler.

T-shirts and jeans are acceptable under the loose dress code. Although they are inappropriate, round necks can be worn if there isn't a lab session.

For more information, please visit:

https://www.careers360.com/colleges/sri-sivasubramaniya-nadar-college-of-engineering-kalavakkam

I hope this helps.

Good Luck