Application of AR technology as a method of proctoring and navigation during surgical interventions: an experimental study

Background. Augmented reality (AR) technologies are being actively integrated into medicine, including neurosurgery, where their application can enhance the accuracy and safety of operations and improve training effectiveness. AR navigation and teleproctoring have the potential to minimize risks, reduce intervention time, and improve access to specialized care in remote regions.

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of AR technologies for neuronavigation, teleproctoring, and training inexperienced surgeons using animal models, as well as simulating basic neurosurgical procedures (lumbar puncture).

Materials and methods. A prospective study was conducted on laboratory animals: 10 rats and 1 sheep. Microsoft Hololens 2 AR glasses and the Medgital Vision application were used. Access to the aorta and carotid arteries was performed on 10 rats (5 with AR navigation, 5 without). An extracranial-intracranial anastomosis was performed on the sheep under AR-guided teleproctoring via Google Meet. Additionally, a lumbar puncture simulation was conducted by projecting patient CT data onto a participant’s body.

Results. The use of AR reduced operation time and incision size. Remote teleproctoring proved effective for intraoperative training and consultation. In the lumbar puncture simulation, anatomical landmarks were accurately projected onto the participant’s body.

Conclusion. AR technologies demonstrated high efficacy for neuronavigation, teleproctoring, and training. Their implementation in clinical practice could enhance surgical safety, reduce intervention time, and expand opportunities for remote collaboration among specialists.

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