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February 10, 2024
A recent report has shed light on the transformative potential of surgical augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR), predicting widespread adoption of these innovations in the near term. The report, released on Friday by GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, attributes this anticipated surge in adoption to Apple’s entrance into the extended reality (XR) market with its spatial computing product, Vision Pro.
According to the report, early adopters have responded positively to Apple’s Vision Pro, propelling the widespread adoption of XR hardware and software. With over 600 applications now available on the Vision OS marketplace, the impact of Apple’s foray into XR is palpable, signaling a new era of innovation in the healthcare sector.
“The basic premise of surgical AR/VR innovation revolves around integrating XR technologies into surgical procedures,” explained Sourabh Nyalkalkar, Practice Head of Innovation Products at GlobalData. “The goal extends to providing real-time visual guidance and enhanced awareness during surgery.”
The report delves into emerging XR innovations poised to reshape the healthcare industry, ranging from holographic surgical displays to AR/VR applications for optometry and integration with surgical robots. Notable advancements include real-time 3D anatomical modeling and 4D computed tomography, offering unprecedented insights and precision in surgical care.
Nyalkalkar highlighted the dynamic landscape of surgical AR/VR innovation, noting the involvement of various stakeholders, including hardware manufacturers, chip makers, healthcare providers, and software developers. Over 40 start-ups are actively pursuing creative solutions in this space, each contributing to the vibrant ecosystem characterized by robust innovation and competitive dynamics.
Start-ups such as Synaptive, XACT Robotics, and CMR Surgical are spearheading advancements in surgical robots, while companies like Theator and Heartflow focus on software-based solutions for surgical intelligence and cardiovascular diagnostics, respectively.
“The intricate nature of surgical XR technology is clearly reflected in the startup scene,” Nyalkalkar remarked.
As Apple’s Vision Pro gains traction, the report anticipates potential shifts in the industry landscape, with keen interest in how existing players adapt to Apple’s ecosystem. Additionally, speculation surrounds Apple’s strategic acquisitions in the XR domain, raising questions about the company’s future role in shaping surgical care.
With the healthcare sector poised for transformation through innovative XR solutions, stakeholders remain poised to leverage technological advancements for improved patient outcomes and enhanced surgical precision.
