Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 28, 2025
Pedicle Screw Placement Using an Augmented Reality Head-Mounted Display in a Porcine Model
Published on: May 24, 2024
Usage of augmented reality for interventional neuraxial procedures: A phantom-based study.
Peter Christoph Reinacher1, Anina Cimniak, Theo Demerath
1From the Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (PCR), Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care (AC, NS), Department of Neuroradiology (TD), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany (PCR, AC, TD, NS) and Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT), Aachen, Germany (PCR).
Augmented reality (AR) guidance significantly improved epidural puncture success rates and accuracy in a phantom study. This innovative approach may enhance neuraxial procedures, especially in challenging anatomical cases.
Area of Science:
- Medical technology
- Anesthesiology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Neuraxial access is crucial for anesthesia, pain medicine, and neurosurgery.
- Traditional landmark techniques for neuraxial access are challenging and require extensive experience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the technical feasibility of augmented reality (AR)-guided neuraxial access.
- To test if AR guidance improves success rates, accuracy, and procedural duration compared to the landmark approach.
Main Methods:
- A randomized phantom-based study was conducted.
- Three-dimensional spine models were used with AR headsets displaying holographic images and planned trajectories.
- Four probands performed 20 epidural puncture attempts each, comparing conventional landmark and AR-guided methods.
Main Results:
- AR guidance resulted in an 82.5% success rate versus 40% for the conventional method (P = 0.0002).
- Accuracy improved with AR, showing significantly smaller Euclidean distance (6.1 vs. 12 mm) and lateral deviation (3.7 vs. 9.2 mm).
- AR-guided punctures were faster (52.5 vs. 67.5 seconds, P = 0.0015).
Conclusions:
- Augmented reality guidance significantly enhances accuracy and success in phantom-based epidural punctures.
- Further development of AR technology could benefit challenging neuraxial procedures.
