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

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.

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.

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