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Assessing augmented reality displays in laparoscopic liver surgery - a clinical experience
João Ramalhinho1, Sandun Bulathsinhala2, Kurinchi Gurusamy2
1UCL Hawkes Institute, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, UCL, London, UK. joao.ramalhinho.15@ucl.ac.uk.
Surgical Endoscopy
|July 27, 2025
Summary
Augmented Reality (AR) enhances laparoscopic liver surgery safety by overlaying 3D models. Surgeons found the Smartliver AR system intuitive, aiding decision-making and showing potential for improved surgical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Surgical Technology
- Computer-Assisted Surgery
Background:
- Laparoscopic liver surgery poses risks due to limited visibility.
- Augmented Reality (AR) offers potential for enhanced intraoperative visualization.
- Pre-operative 3D models can be overlaid onto surgical fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate the clinical deployment feasibility of an AR system for laparoscopic liver surgery.
- Assess surgeon feedback on AR display requirements and usability.
- Determine the potential of AR to improve safety and decision-making in liver surgery.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 13 participants undergoing laparoscopic liver surgery.
- Evaluation of the optically tracked Smartliver AR system.
- Surgeon feedback collected via Likert Scale questionnaires on 3 different AR displays.
Main Results:
- The Smartliver AR overlay was found to be intuitive and helpful for decision-making.
- Surgeons indicated a preference for a display showing a restricted circular region of the 3D model.
- The system demonstrated potential for future clinical use in liver surgery.
Conclusions:
- Optically tracked AR systems are deployable and accepted by surgeons.
- AR shows promise for improving outcomes in laparoscopic liver surgery.
- Future work should focus on automated alignment, deformation prediction, and optimized tracking.
