New Surgical Telemedicine courtesy of Google Glass

[nicehat]

 

This is amazing. The University of Alabama surgical team has performed one of the first surgeries using a virtual augmented reality technology using Google Glass head mounted display. They also used VIPAAR, which stands for Virtual Interactive Presence in Augmented Reality, which provides real-time, two-way, interactive video conferencing.

 

Dr.Ponce, an Orthopedic Surgeon, wore Google Glass during the operation (a shoulder replacement surgery). Watching and interacting with Dr.Ponce via the VIPAAR technology was Phani Dantuluri, M.D., from his office in Atlanta. The built-in camera transmitted the image of the surgical field to Dr. Dantuluri. The VIPAAR technology allowed Dantuluri to see exactly what Ponce saw in the operating room and introduce his hands or instruments into the virtual surgical field. At the same time, Dr. Ponce saw Dr. Dantuluri’s hands and instruments in his heads-up display, along with his own field of view, as a merged-reality environment.

 

This is groundbreaking stuff. Imagine the opportunities to provide life saving surgeries or guidance to team half way around the world in disaster areas. Or even across the country for your organ transplant. This is good stuff. 

 

Drew Deaton, CEO of VIPAAR had this to say:

 

“Today, we can’t imagine having a smartphone without the capability to take picture or record a video,” he said. “Five years from now, I can’t imagine anyone trying to solve a visual problem without having a knowledgeable, live expert reach in and help just as if he or she were there in person.”

 

What do you guys think about this? What other awesome Glass applications can you think of that will help humanity?

 

http://www.uab.edu/news/latest/item/3896-uab-does-virtual-surgery-with-vipaar-and-google-glass