Determining the future of virtual reality is almost impossible at this point. Several new initiatives are launched every quarter to see how useful this technology can be. In China, local doctors have used VR headsets to guide with an operation which took place over 2,500 miles away. A very interesting way of using virtual reality, although this may not necessarily become the new normal anytime soon.
VR can be Useful in the Healthcare Sector
No one will deny there is much more to virtual reality than gaming and watching cat videos in 360 degrees. In fact, one of the biggest use cases may come in the form of the healthcare sector. Chinese doctors have used VR, combined with 3D imaging, to assist surgeons in an operation thousands of kilometers away. This sets a very surprising and slightly worrisome precedent for the medical sector as a whole It was not a life-and-death surgery, though.
More specifically, the procedure involved a bone fracture. Said produce took place in China’s Xinjiang region. The chief doctor was in Hubei, which is 2,300 miles away. However, Doctor Ye Zhewei was able to follow the proceedings using a virtual reality headset, and he gave instructions to his colleague using 3D imaging. This combination of newer technologies is almost something one would read about in sci-fi novels, but this goes to show the use cases are already in place.
For the patient, the procedure felt as if it was any other normal surgery. Everything worked out as planned originally, even though the patient was part of a groundbreaking experiment in the end. Moreover, the use of VR technology and 3D imaging allowed her to better grasp the severity of her condition. Not only did this technology make the surgery a success, but it also helped reduce costs of flying staff to help with such remote procedures. It is not unlikely we will see more of these “experiments” in the future.
Moreover, using virtual reality is far more sophisticated than relying on regular webcams. For the doctor, it is almost as if he is there in the same room with all of the information at his disposal. The assistants can receive clear instructions and see the adjustments laid out in front of them at the same time. It is a situation which offers many benefits for all parties involved. This doesn’t mean such a procedure will be repeated anytime soon, though. Only time will tell if that is the case.
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