The first surgical procedures using augmented reality are starting at the IRCCS (Italian acronym for Scientific Institute for Hospitalisation and Care) in Candiolo. A camera will focus on the organ to be operated on, while the surgeon will be able to see the 3D models created by CT and MRI scans, superimposed on it. In this way, thanks to the integration of real and virtual images, the doctor will never have to divert his attention from the area on which he is performing the operation, maintaining maximum concentration and precision: thus, thanks to this implementation, it will be possible to minimize the impact on healthy tissues during surgery.
Dr Francesco Porpiglia, Professor of Oncological Urology at the University of Turin and head of two hospitals Urology Departments in Turin area, will carry out the first surgeries of this kind. "Starting from CT or MRI radiological images, it is possible to obtain three-dimensional reconstructions of the organ and the tumour mass. These models have proved very useful in the planning phase of the surgery as they provide the surgeon with a spatial view of the organ and the disease, which is difficult to achieve with the naked eye," Porpiglia explained.
Augmented reality will be able to fully support the surgeon in the real-time identification of the parts to be surgically removed. This technological application in progress at Candiolo is not yet part of the most widely used clinical practices: the IRCCS began working with 3D images four years ago, and Dr Porpiglia's team has already carried out numerous studies and some publications with the intention of extending knowledge of the potential of this innovative technique as far as possible.