Surgical planning is a critical step in preparing for medical procedures. By allowing clinicians to study patient-specific anatomy before entering the operating room, it enhances safety, precision, and overall outcomes. With virtual reality, traditional CT and MRI scans can be transformed into immersive 3D models, enabling surgeons to explore anatomy in true-to-scale detail and identify the optimal surgical approach with greater confidence.

Risk-free surgical simulations with digital twins

Digital twins are realistic, data-driven 3D replicas of a patient’s anatomy, created from imaging data such as CT or MRI scans. These interactive models mirror real-world structures in precise detail and allow surgeons to scale, rotate, and focus on specific tissues or regions, providing complete control over their visual perspective. This high level of interactivity enables the simulation of procedures, testing of different surgical approaches, anticipation of potential complications, and enhanced spatial understanding of patient-specific anatomy.

By offering a risk-free environment for professional communication, preoperative training and procedural rehearsal, digital twins help surgical teams refine techniques, optimize outcomes, and improve collaboration and communication.

VR and AR enhancing surgical precision: case studies

Spatial imaging in spinal surgery

The benefits of virtual reality for surgical planning have been confirmed in multiple studies and real-world cases. This publication presents a 79-year-old patient with thoracic myelopathy and pseudoarthrosis who underwent a two-stage spinal revision. The procedure was planned using spatial computing in an interactive 3D environment, enabling precise optimization of graft size and trajectory. The successful outcome illustrates how immersive 3D planning enhances surgical precision and supports individualized strategies in complex spine surgery.

Source

Orthopedic implant procedures in VR

Virtual reality enables immersive 3D visualization of patient-specific CT data, allowing surgeons to interact with both anatomy and orthopedic implants in a shared virtual environment. Unlike conventional 3D displays, VR provides true depth perception and spatial interaction, enhancing anatomical understanding and implant planning accuracy.

A VR system implemented by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lanarkshire demonstrated proof of concept for preoperative trauma planning using routine imaging and implant files. Using modest hardware and software, the system supports local surgical planning and execution, showing potential to improve fracture comprehension and surgical precision.

Source

Holographic AR navigation in mandibular reconstruction

Augmented Reality is increasingly used in surgery to enhance orientation and precision by projecting 3D virtual models onto the operative field. In mandibular reconstruction, one of the most challenging steps is identifying and dissecting key vascular structures.

Real-time AR guidance allows surgeons to define accurate resection margins while preserving vital structures, such as the laterally deviated facial artery. Unlike handheld Doppler ultrasonography, which provides only limited auditory feedback, the holographic system offers a clear visual map of vascular anatomy directly in the operative field.

Source

Spatial telemedicine

XR and AI-enhanced 3D imaging enable surgeons to collaborate globally in real time. In a pilot study at Lamu Medical Centre, Uganda, 3D patient models were created from smartphone photos and discussed by surgeons in Uganda and Germany using VR headsets.

The approach was fast, resource-efficient, and allowed precise planning of reconstructive surgeries. It demonstrates how specialists from other countries can provide expert guidance and support to surgeons, even across great distances, improving surgical care and training in low-resource settings.

Source

Towards faster, safer, and more efficient procedures

Virtual Reality is transforming surgery by bridging the gap between planning, training, and real-world performance. It allows surgeons to rehearse procedures in a realistic, risk-free environment, improving precision, reducing complications, and building confidence before entering the operating room.

Spatial imaging and virtual reality provide objective performance feedback and unlimited opportunities for practice, accelerating skill development and ensuring consistent training standards. It also enables real-time collaboration among specialists worldwide, supporting expert consultation and shared decision-making.

When combined with AI, VR enhances surgical planning and execution through improved visualization, streamlined workflows, and greater accuracy. Together, these technologies enable faster preparation, safer operations, and better patient outcomes - raising the overall standard of modern surgical care.

How to get started

Medicalholodeck integrates with secure hospital systems, offering PACS access, HIPAA-compliant data handling, and full patient security. It works on VR headsets, PCs, iPads, and iPhones for flexible use in hospitals, classrooms, and training centers.

Specialized features for surgical planning are exclusive to Medical Imaging XR PRO FDA. Currently, Medicalholodeck is available only for educational use. The platform is undergoing FDA and CE certification, and we expect Medical Imaging XR PRO to be available soon in the U.S. and EU markets.

For updates, regulatory news, availability, or questions contact info@medicalholodeck.com.