AR holds potential to revolutionise healthcare, says GlobalData

The use of augmented reality (AR) in healthcare is still in its early stages, but the potential for expansion is enormous. AR technology allows surgeons to see detailed and interactive visualisations of human anatomy that can be placed in the actual surgical field. The integration of AR in healthcare is set to revolutionise the industry, delivering unparalleled precision, efficiency, and safety in medical procedures, says GlobalData.

According to GlobalData, AR technology is estimated to register a cumulative annual growth rate (CAGR) of 36 per cent from 2023 to 2033, demonstrating the growing use and effect of AR in medicine to improve surgical precision, training, and patient outcomes.

The use of AR in surgeries has been associated with lower complications and better patient outcomes. AR reduces intraoperative errors and improves patient safety by giving surgeons a greater grasp of the surgical location and associated dangers. More precise and less intrusive techniques can contribute to a better postoperative recovery.

Elia Garcia, Medical Analyst at GlobalData, states, “AR technologies speed up the surgical process by delivering real-time data and visual help. Surgeons have easy access to essential information such as patient history, imaging results, and procedural recommendations. This decreases the time spent switching between displays or referring to tangible papers, lowering surgery times and enhancing operating room efficiency.”

ImmersiveTouch’s recent FDA clearance for its AR surgical system marks a major milestone in medical technology, particularly for craniomaxillofacial surgeries. The AR system enables real-time interaction with surgical plans, moving beyond traditional two-dimensional imaging to provide a more detailed and interactive surgical approach. This technology streamlines workflow, reduces surgery time and minimises complications by incorporating patient information into the AR display.

Garcia concludes, “The rapid growth underscores the transformative power of AR technologies, enhancing everything from surgical planning and execution to medical training and patient engagement. With innovators like ImmersiveTouch gaining regulatory approvals and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, the healthcare sector is on the brink of significant advancements. These developments promise to improve patient outcomes and streamline medical practices, marking a new era in healthcare.”