First Virtual Surgery with Google Glass

A University of Alabama at Birmingham surgical team has performed the first surgery using a virtual augmented reality technology called VIPAAR in conjunction with Google Glass, a wearable computer with an optical head-mounted display. The combination of the two technologies could be an important step toward the development of useful, practical telemedicine.

VIPAAR, which stands for Virtual Interactive Presence in Augmented Reality, is a UAB-developed technology that provides real time, two-way, interactive video conferencing.

UAB orthopedic surgeon Brent Ponce, M.D., performed a shoulder replacement surgery on Sept. 12, 2013 at UAB Highlands Hospital in Birmingham. Watching and interacting with Ponce via VIPAAR was Phani Dantuluri, M.D., from his office in Atlanta.

Ponce wore Google Glass during the operation. The built-in camera transmitted the image of the surgical field to Dantuluri. VIPAAR allowed Dantuluri, who saw on his computer monitor exactly what Ponce saw in the operating room, to introduce his hands into the virtual surgical field. Ponce saw Danturuli’s hands as a ghostly image in his heads-up display.

“It’s not unlike the line marking a first down that a television broadcast adds to the screen while televising a football game,” said Ponce. “You see the line, although it’s not really on the field. Using VIPAAR, a remote surgeon is able to put his or her hands into the surgical field and provide collaboration and assistance.”

The two surgeons were able to discuss the case in a truly interactive fashion since Dantuluri could watch Ponce perform the surgery yet could introduce his hands into Ponce’s view as if they were standing next to each other.

“It’s real time, real life, right there, as opposed to a Skype or video conference call which allows for dialogue back and forth, but is not really interactive,” said Ponce.

Ponce says VIPAAR allows the remote physician to point out anatomy, provide guidance or even demonstrate the proper positioning of instruments. He says it could be an invaluable tool for teaching residents, or helping surgeons first learning a new procedure.

“This system is able to provide that help from an expert who is not on site, guiding and teaching new skills while enhancing patient safety and outcomes,” he said. “It provides a safety net to improve patient care by having that assistance from an expert who is not in the room.”

“VIPAAR brings experts or collaborators to the site of need, in any field where a visual collaboration would be beneficial,” said Drew Deaton, CEO of VIPAAR. “VIPAAR uses video on mobile devices to allow experts or collaborators to connect in real time and not only see what might need to be fixed, corrected or solved, but also be able to reach in, using tools or just their hands, and demonstrate. It’s like being there, side by side with someone when you might be a thousand miles, or 10 thousand miles away.”

“Today, you can’t imagine having a phone without the capability to take picture, or a video,” he said. “I can’t imagine, five years from now, not being able to use a smart phone to connect to an expert to solve my problem. And have that person reach in and show me how to solve that problem, because the technology is advancing rapidly and we’re bringing this technology to market today.”

Source: science daily

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