A new mixed reality research project is taking X-rays to a whole new level at the London Health Sciences Centre.
“HoloLens technology allows these virtual displays to be placed anywhere the doctor wants. This type of treatment maintains the connection between doctor and patient,” explained Jonathan Collier, MD, an interventional radiologist.
Wearing a special mixed-reality headset, Collier looks at and manipulates a volumetric virtual model, or 3D image, of a brain aneurysm. He can manipulate the hologram and move it into place exactly where he wants, allowing him to perform simple surgery with great precision.
The best part for the operating physician is that he no longer has to look at the traditional screen to the side or in another part of the room.
LHSC Chief of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology Dr. Sachin Pandey was among the first to use Microsoft HoloLens.
Patients are duly impressed, he said.
“Well, you can imagine, there's a certain kind of wow factor about it, you feel like you've stepped into the future a little bit,” he explained.
Interventional radiology technologist Jonathan Collier wears a mixed reality headset in London, Ontario. On March 7, 2024. (Brian Bicknell/CTV News London)
“The benefit to the patient, in theory, is that they get the full attention physically and mentally from their doctor. In fact, speaking and responding to the patient is a big part of what makes it an agreeable experience for people. That again,” he added. “Any barrier you can remove from the patient helps do that.” .
The HoloLens software was developed by Dr. David Hocking, a diagnostic and interventional radiologist at LHSC. He said he saw a way to achieve better outcomes for patients.
“The closer you can get your visual field to where you are working, the better your accuracy will be. This allows us to put the monitor front and center with the patient.”
The mixed reality research project is supported by more than $1 million in funding from the London Health Sciences Foundation and the Children's Health Foundation.
“This is a pilot project, so we are in the early stages where I think it can be rolled out,” Pandey said.
