Augmented Reality in Neurosurgery: A New Paradigm for Training

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Technology
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Augmented reality (AR) overlays digital information onto the real world, enhancing visual experiences.
• In neurosurgery, AR integrates imaging data to improve surgical planning, navigation, and reduce operation times.
• AR offers potential as a low-risk training tool for neurosurgeons.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current and emerging applications of AR in neurosurgery and neurosurgical training.
• To discuss the limitations of AR in neurosurgery.
• To identify future research directions for AR in the field.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines.
• Search of English-language articles published between 2013 and 2023.
• Inclusion of original articles and case reports, with 31 selected from 386 initial results.

Main Results:

• AR shows promise in neuro-oncology, spinal, neurovascular, skull-base, and pediatric neurosurgery.
• Intraoperative AR primarily aids surgical planning and neuronavigation.
• AR for training also focuses on surgical planning and neuronavigation.

Conclusions:

• Current AR applications in neurosurgery are largely in preliminary phases with small sample sizes.
• Further research is required to refine AR systems for widespread intraoperative and educational adoption.
• AR holds significant potential to advance neurosurgical procedures and training.