Clinical Accuracy of Holographic Navigation Using Point-Based Registration on Augmented-Reality Glasses

As current augmented-reality (AR) smart glasses are self-contained, powerful computers that project 3-dimensional holograms that can maintain their position in physical space, they could theoretically be used as a low-cost, stand-alone neuronavigation system.

To determine feasibility and accuracy of holographic neuronavigation (HN) using AR smart glasses.

We programmed a fully functioning neuronavigation system on commercially available smart glasses (HoloLens®, Microsoft, Redmond, Washington) and tested its accuracy and feasibility in the operating room. The fiducial registration error (FRE) was measured for both HN and conventional neuronavigation (CN) (Brainlab, Munich, Germany) by using point-based registration on a plastic head model. Subsequently, we measured HN and CN FRE on 3 patients.

A stereoscopic view of the holograms was successfully achieved in all experiments. In plastic head measurements, the mean HN FRE was 7.2 ± 1.8 mm compared to the mean CN FRE of 1.9 ± 0.45 (mean difference: -5.3 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -6.7 to -3.9). In the 3 patients, the mean HN FRE was 4.4 ± 2.5 mm compared to the mean CN FRE of 3.6 ± 0.5 (mean difference: -0.8 mm; 95% CI: -3.0 to 4.6).

Owing to the potential benefits and promising results, we believe that HN could eventually find application in operating rooms. However, several improvements will have to be made before the device can be used in clinical practice.