Doctors from the United Kingdom used Apple's Vision Pro virtual reality headset during two spinal surgeries, playing into the tech giant's healthcare vision for its product.
The medical team in question is from Cromwell Hospital in London and utilized Apple's $3,500 headset during the two surgeries. Medical professionals called the Vision Pro a "game-changing" tool, supporting Apple's claim that the Vision Pro has a future as a medical device.
Vision Pro in Surgery
While the doctors who performed the surgeries did not wear the virtual reality headset themselves, a scrub nurse reportedly had a Vision Pro strapped on during preparations for the surgeries and the procedures themselves. The Apple product was used to view virtual screens imposed on the operating room to select tools and monitor surgery progress.
The software that the Cromwell Hospital medical team used was developed by eXeX, a company that builds AI-driven apps targeting surgeons.
According to Gizmodo, one of the Cromwell surgeons who used the device, Syed Aftab, said in a press release that working with eXeX to take advantage of the Vision Pro made a "huge difference" in the way they delivered care to their patients.
He added that it was a privilege to be among the first teams in the UK and Europe to use the software in surgery. Aftab added that he was looking forward to seeing how the technology advances in the future and its impacts across hospitals.
A recent Apple press release said that a company known as Stryker is touting the "myMako" app for the Vision Pro. It helps doctors develop surgical plans for hip and knee replacements by using 3D models as well as other tools.
A variety of other companies and developers are taking advantage of Apple's Vision Pro for medical training and education. A variety of new apps have become available, including Fundamental Surgery, CollaboratOR 3D, and Complete HeartX.
Virtual Reality in Healthcare
The lead scrub nurse who wore the Vision Pro virtual reality headset during the surgeries was identified as Suvi Verho. This was not the first time that eXeX's products have been used in an operating room, said TechRadar.
Last month, American surgeon Dr. Robert Masson used Apple's virtual reality headset with eXeX's app to assist him in performing a spinal procedure. Similar to the Cromwell medical team, Masson did not wear the headset himself but had his assistants do so.
They used the Vision Pro to follow procedural guides from inside a sterile environment, which was previously considered "impossible." Masson also praised the combination of the virtual reality headset and the eXeX app, saying that it enabled an "undistracted workflow" for his team.
Apple's vice president of worldwide developer relations, Susan Prescott, said in a press release that they were thrilled to see the incredible apps that various developers across the healthcare community have brought to the Vision Pro's reach, according to Business Insider.
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