Application of Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality to Urology

Area of Science:

• Medical Technology
• Urology
• Immersive Technologies

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) foundations were established in the 1980s.
• Recent advancements in displays, sensors, interactivity, and computing power have revitalized VR.
• The healthcare sector, including urology, is experiencing a surge in VR adoption.

Approach:

• This review examines the influence of VR on medicine.
• It specifically analyzes current applications within urology.
• Future development trends of VR in urology are also discussed.

Key Points:

• VR technology offers new application fields in medicine and urology.
• Existing VR devices have significantly improved features compared to earlier iterations.
• The review synthesizes current knowledge and anticipates future directions.

Conclusions:

• VR is poised to significantly transform medical practices, particularly in urology.
• Continued technological advancements will likely expand VR's role in healthcare.
• This review provides a comprehensive overview of VR's current and future impact on urology.