Like a surgical GPS, VisAR enables physicians to find and reach their target destination more quickly - without the expense, footprint, and setup time of a conventional navigation system.
The application of augmented reality in surgical guidance
Augmented reality (AR) is a transformative technology that coincides with a progressive shift to precision medicine. AR surgical guidance using co-localization of imaging data will revolutionize certain surgical procedures.
The VisAR system converts MR, CT or other DICOM image data into a 3D hologram superimposed with optical precision on the patient in an anatomically registered overlay view convenient to the surgeon. This allows the physician to view and scroll through the imaging studies in their correct anatomical and surgical context. Importantly, the surgeon’s attention is not distracted by looking at a screen generally mounted away from the patient. This proximity allows the surgeon to remain focused on the operative task. One can see the patient and see through them at the same time. This offers the surgeon a virtual line of sight to an area of interest.
The preparation and setup for VisAR is a streamlined process. User-specific calibration of the interpupillary distance is a rapid one-time process as the system stores and recalls the measurement for any given user.
The ability to continuously monitor patient movement and provide corrective updates are an important part of the safety and utility of VisAR.
Operationally, the system responds to voice commands, allowing hands-free operation and the ability to focus directly on the surgical site. The untethered headset allows for freedom of movement and is easier to use than most contemporary guidance systems. The OR footprint is just the surgeon’s head.
Full VisAR Workflow
1. Download and install CryptoChart Client on the workstation.
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Must be on a system that meets minimum specifications (see the Download Page for specifications).
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Select your printer during install.
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2. Download the VisAR application from the Windows App Store onto the HoloLens. You will need to make sure you use the same email address with your Microsoft login that was used for the VisAR registration process on this website.
3. Launch the CryptoChart Client System Monitor Tool from the desktop icon.
Upload images by selecting 'Upload Study' as indicated below.
4. The uploaded study then sends an encrypted optical code to your printer.
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When the images hit the cloud, it will return an encrypted optical code.
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Scan the code to launch the image in the Novarad 3D+ pre-operative workstation.
5. Place virtual annotations in the 3D+ viewer using Surgical Planning tools.
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Ex: Virtual needles, annotations, incisions, perform segmentation.
6. The QR access code is printed from the VisAR workstation.
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Access code provides an encrypted link to the VisAR AR headset and the Novarad server.
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Scanning with the HoloLens 2 headset launches VisAR software and opens annotated study for OR use.
7. Open case in VisAR by looking at the Access Code.
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Adjust transparency and contrast.
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Navigate through the study.
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Manually align to the patient.
8. Refer to the VisAR User Manual for dozens of features.
