A bibliometric analysis of augmented reality and mixed reality applied in minimally invasive surgery

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is integral to modern surgical practices, offering several advantages over traditional open surgery. The emergence of augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) technologies notably improved the surgical accuracy and safety of MIS. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of AR and MR applications in MIS, identifying key trends and assessing the overall impact of these technologies on surgical practices. We systematically searched the WoSCC, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase for literature published between January 1, 1982, and August 14, 2024, using the keywords AR, MR and MIS. The search identified 5162 publications, of which 310 papers and reviews met the screening criteria. Bibliometric techniques were employed to analyze publication trends, country/region and institution participation, authorship, journal distribution, citation patterns and research hotspots. The annual publication rate has shown a steady upward trend since 2006, peaking at 50 publications in 2022. The United States, China and Germany were the leading countries. Top institutions included Johns Hopkins University and Imperial College London. The International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery had the highest publication count, while Surgical Endoscopy and Other Interventional Techniques received the most citations. Key research hotspots focused on spinal and liver surgeries, particularly in computer-assisted surgery and image-guided techniques, with advancements in integrating AR and MR with robotic systems, 3D printing, and machine learning. AR and MR technologies are increasingly used in MIS, especially in the enhancement of surgical navigation systems. This study provides insights for future research directions and practical applications in MIS.