Irvine, Calif. — A UCI Health spine surgery team has successfully performed the world’s first endoscopic spinal fusion using augmented reality (AR) technology. A technique that can mean reduced postoperative pain and faster recovery for patients.
During the ultra-minimally invasive procedure, UCI Health spine surgeon Dr. Don Y. Park wore an AR headset with high-definition endoscopic video displaying alongside the patient’s MRI images and electronic medical record directly in his field of vision, allowing him to focus on the surgical field without the need to view multiple monitors or step away from the operating table.
Eventually, artificial intelligence programs may be combined with the AR headset to better visualize the spinal anatomy and improve the safety and efficiency of the procedures. As AR hardware evolves, we expect its integration in spine surgery to become more common, especially in endoscopic procedures to decompress delicate spinal nerves, where detailed visualization and ergonomics are crucial.
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