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Updated: Dec 23, 2025
Usability Evaluation of Augmented Reality: A Neuro-Information-Systems Study
Published on: November 30, 2022
Enhancing Reality: A Systematic Review of Augmented Reality in Neuronavigation and Education
James Cho1, Shervin Rahimpour1, Andrew Cutler1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
Objective:
Augmented reality (AR) is increasingly being explored as an adjunct to conventional neuronavigation systems. AR affords the ability to superimpose 3-dimensional images onto the real environment. A natural extension of this technology is to help guide neurosurgical planning and a means of stereotactic planning and guidance. Here we review the literature on the use of AR in neurosurgery with a focus on current technologies and limitations. Furthermore, we discuss this technology in the context of neurosurgical training as an educational tool.
Methods:
PubMed search was performed for "augmented reality and neurosurgery" and "mixed reality and neurosurgery" from 2010. A total of 113 articles written in the last 5 years were retrieved, and 39 were ultimately included in the systematic review.
Results:
The most common use of AR in neurosurgery was in cranial surgery (n = 26). Other uses included spine surgery (n = 9) and education (n = 2). Devices used for display of AR images varied as did image-to-patient registration methods and overall system accuracy.
Conclusions:
Although various AR systems have been successfully utilized across many neurosurgical disciplines, more research is needed to improve accuracy in registration and to assess whether AR-assisted surgery is safe and effective for widespread adoption.
