Virtual and Augmented Reality in Interventional Radiology: Current Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Surgical Technology
• Radiology

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are emerging technologies with significant potential in Interventional Radiology (IR).
• These technologies offer enhanced visualization and navigation of medical images, impacting patient care, procedural planning, and medical education.
• Despite their promise, widespread adoption is hindered by challenges like navigation system limitations, cost, clinical acceptance, and equipment constraints.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the current state and future potential of VR and AR technologies in Interventional Radiology.
• To identify key challenges and recent advancements driving the integration of VR/AR in IR.
• To outline the prospective applications and impact of VR/AR on IR practices and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and technological advancements in VR/AR for medical applications.
• Analysis of challenges impacting the clinical integration of VR/AR in IR.
• Exploration of emerging technologies like shape-sensing needles and deep learning for medical image segmentation.

Main Results:

• VR/AR offer improved visualization and navigation for patient care, planning, and training in IR.
• Key challenges include navigation system limitations, cost, clinical acceptance, and technical constraints.
• Advancements in shape-sensing needles, organ deformation modeling, and deep learning for image segmentation show promise.
• Future applications include simulation-based training, preprocedural planning, intraprocedural guidance, and patient engagement.

Conclusions:

• VR and AR technologies are poised to revolutionize Interventional Radiology.
• Overcoming current challenges through ongoing research and technological development is crucial for widespread adoption.
• The integration of VR/AR is expected to enhance telemedicine, operational efficiency, and patient outcomes in IR.