Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg showcased the potential of Oculus Rift virtual reality (VR) technology, alongside Oculus Touch controllers, at the Oculus Connect 3 event in San Jose, California, on October 6, 2016. During this event, Zuckerberg’s vision for VR technology was on full display, setting the stage for innovative applications across various industries.
Fast forward to the recent past, and we find a fascinating use case for VR technology in the field of medicine. Dr. Jake Shine, a third-year orthopedics resident at Kettering Health Dayton in Ohio, utilized a virtual reality headset just days before assisting in a major shoulder-replacement surgery. In a specially designed VR lab, Dr. Shine and his attending physician donned Meta Quest 2 headsets to walk through a 3D simulation of the intricate procedure known as reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. This complex surgery can take up to two hours and involves meticulous navigation around critical anatomical structures like neurovascular elements and the lungs.
The power of VR became evident as Dr. Shine continued practicing with his headset at home, refining his surgical skills and minimizing the risks associated with real-world procedures. His meticulous preparation paid off, with the actual surgery proceeding smoothly, free from complications, and resulting in a full recovery for the patient.
According to Dr. Shine, the VR experience allowed him to learn not only what to do but, equally importantly, what not to do, all without putting patients at risk. This transformative potential of VR technology in healthcare has piqued the interest of medical institutions like Kettering Health Dayton, one among many in the United States exploring VR’s role in doctor training and patient care.
VR technology falls under the umbrella of “extended reality,” encompassing immersive VR headsets such as the Meta Quest 2 and augmented reality (AR) devices that overlay digital information on the real world. While the widespread adoption of VR in healthcare remains an open question, early experiments suggest its promising impact on improving health outcomes.
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, entered the VR arena in 2014 with its acquisition of Oculus. Over the years, the company has invested heavily in the development of VR and AR technologies. Despite significant financial losses incurred by Meta’s Reality Labs unit, responsible for VR and AR, the company remains committed to advancing this transformative field. Meanwhile, tech giant Apple is poised to enter the VR market with its high-end Vision Pro headset, targeting early 2023 for its launch.
The applications of VR in healthcare extend beyond surgical training. VR has proven effective in managing pain by providing an immersive distraction that diverts attention from both physical and emotional aspects of pain. Institutions like Cedars-Sinai are preparing to launch virtual platforms to aid patients dealing with various conditions, including gastrointestinal issues, anxiety, addiction, and perimenopausal health.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has also embraced extended reality technology at over 160 facilities to assist patients with pain management, behavioral therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and physical rehabilitation. Caitlin Rawlins, Immersive Program Manager at the VA, has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of VR on patients, from alleviating pain to improving cognitive function.
In healthcare, VR has become an integral part of medical education and residency programs. Institutions like Kettering Health Dayton have incorporated VR training into their curriculum, with first-year orthopedics residents completing a month-long “boot camp” that blends clinical work with VR practice. More senior residents, like Dr. Shine, also leverage VR to enhance their skills and surgical preparedness.
VR software, such as that developed by PrecisionOS, has gained popularity in medical training. It offers realistic and sophisticated simulations that help surgeons and residents learn complex procedures. While hardware limitations remain, the potential of VR in medical education is evident.
Regulatory challenges, the need for ongoing software updates, and cost considerations pose hurdles to the widespread adoption of VR in healthcare. Nonetheless, the medical community and technology developers are actively working to overcome these obstacles. Organizations like the American Medical Extended Reality Association are emerging to guide the future of extended reality in medicine.
In conclusion, VR technology’s integration into healthcare is an exciting development with the potential to revolutionize medical training, patient care, and pain management. While challenges remain, the progress made in this field underscores its growing importance and potential to improve healthcare outcomes for millions of individuals.
