Mixed reality 'the start of what's to come'

Wearing a futuristic headset that allowed him to see both a 3D hologram and his patient's body, Dr Travis Falconer made surgical history in Western Australia.

TheHollywood Private Hospital specialist shoulder and elbow surgeon became the first in the state to perform a procedure using the HoloLens mixed-reality system.

Dr Falconer said he was proud tobe selectedby medical technology company Stryker to trial theequipment in October 2022.

"I think this is just the start of what's to come regarding pre-operative planning, the use of navigation, mixed reality and the introduction of robotic surgery into the upper limb," he said.

Wearing theheadset during a shoulder replacement operation, Dr Falconer wasable to see a 3D hologram of the surgical plan over the patient'sanatomy in real time.

As well as using the planning software and referring to data analysis during the procedure, hecould interact with the holographic objects via hand gestures and voice commands.

The Perth hospital's Director of Medical Services, John Maxwell, said mixed-reality technology was an increasingly popular tool in operating rooms across the globe.

The new device allows surgeons to access computer-based solutions in real time, and remotely interact with colleagues located outside the theatre.

"It offers so much potential in the future, such as using artificial intelligence and case planning optimisation," Dr Maxwell said.

"Our priority at Hollywood isto offer the latest technologyand techniques to our patients for the best possible health outcomes."

Read more: Mixed reality takes surgery into the future

Read more: 'Mixed reality' expands medical horizons

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