Michael Barbella, Managing Editor08.25.23
Vuzix Corporation has released a new report that explores the increasing interest among U.S. surgeons in adopting aurgmented reality (AR) smart glasses for their practice. Conducted by third-party research firm Censuswide, this report features insight from more than 500 U.S. surgeons, highlighting the promising potential of AR in medicine.
"We are thrilled to witness the increasing interest among U.S. surgeons in adopting AR smart glasses as a hands-free solution for surgical procedures. This report reveals the transformative power of AR technology in improving patient outcomes," Vizix Corporation President/CEO Paul Travers said. "By providing real-time information, remote assistance, and advanced visualization capabilities, AR smart glasses have the potential to revolutionize surgeries. At Vuzix, we are committed to developing cutting-edge AR solutions that empower surgeons and enhance the future of healthcare."
The Ascendant Trend of Augmented Reality in Surgical Environments
There is increasing interest in and adoption of AR smart glasses among surgeons. The findings indicate a significant appetite for incorporating these advanced devices into surgical workflows:
A significant proportion of surgeons have undergone training with AR smart glasses, indicating their exposure and familiarity with this technology. The study revealed that two-thirds (67%) of surgeons have been trained to use these devices.
Unveiling Surgeons' Positive Sentiment Towards AR Smart Glasses
A prevailing and significant positive sentiment is evident among surveyed surgeons, as nearly half of them (49%) firmly believe in AR smart glasses' ability to reduce complications and fatalities caused by human error in operating rooms. Furthermore, 48% agree that AR smart glasses contribute to improved accuracy, speed, and efficiency for surgeons through the utilization of remote assist and assistive software.
Among surgeons currently utilizing AR smart glasses in their practice or planning to incorporate them in the future, several appealing features of the technology have been identified:
In addition to uncovering the positive sentiment towards AR smart glasses, the research also explored the concerns expressed by surveyed surgeons regarding their adoption in the operating room. Foremost among these concerns is the glasses' comfort, with a third of surgeons (33%) highlighting this as a top concern. Following closely behind are interface challenges (29%), learning curve (29%), and battery life (28%). Sensory overload (25%), cost (24%), privacy (21%), and unreliable WiFi (19%) were also cited as potential issues.
Regional Variations in Surgeons' Adoption of AR Smart Glasses
The familiarity and usage of AR smart glasses among surgeons vary across different regions, highlighting the importance of considering regional dynamics when implementing AR technology in surgical environments. Surgeons in the South lead the way with the highest level of familiarity and adoption, as 27% of them have already integrated AR smart glasses into their practice. Following closely are the Midwest and Northeast regions, both at 26% adoption rates. Lastly, the West region exhibits a slightly lower adoption rate of 21%.
Specialty-based Variations
Certain disciplines stand out for their significant adoption and consideration of AR smart glasses in surgical practices.
The report is based on a comprehensive survey of 506 surgical professionals. Fieldwork was conducted May 3-5. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all U.S. adults aged 25 and above.
Vuzi Corporation is an industry leader in augmented reality technology, providing optical products to various industries.
"We are thrilled to witness the increasing interest among U.S. surgeons in adopting AR smart glasses as a hands-free solution for surgical procedures. This report reveals the transformative power of AR technology in improving patient outcomes," Vizix Corporation President/CEO Paul Travers said. "By providing real-time information, remote assistance, and advanced visualization capabilities, AR smart glasses have the potential to revolutionize surgeries. At Vuzix, we are committed to developing cutting-edge AR solutions that empower surgeons and enhance the future of healthcare."
The Ascendant Trend of Augmented Reality in Surgical Environments
There is increasing interest in and adoption of AR smart glasses among surgeons. The findings indicate a significant appetite for incorporating these advanced devices into surgical workflows:
- Currently, 25% of U.S. surgeons have integrated AR smart glasses into their practice, while an additional 31% are actively considering their utilization.
- Nineteen percent of surgeons have previously tried AR smart glasses and found them helpful in their procedures.
- Twelve percent reported less satisfactory experiences and only 11% have yet to explore AR smart glasses' benefits.
A significant proportion of surgeons have undergone training with AR smart glasses, indicating their exposure and familiarity with this technology. The study revealed that two-thirds (67%) of surgeons have been trained to use these devices.
- One-quarter of surgeons expressed their belief that AR smart glasses represent the future of surgical education
- One-quarter acknowledged the glasses' potential benefits over traditional teaching methods
Unveiling Surgeons' Positive Sentiment Towards AR Smart Glasses
A prevailing and significant positive sentiment is evident among surveyed surgeons, as nearly half of them (49%) firmly believe in AR smart glasses' ability to reduce complications and fatalities caused by human error in operating rooms. Furthermore, 48% agree that AR smart glasses contribute to improved accuracy, speed, and efficiency for surgeons through the utilization of remote assist and assistive software.
Among surgeons currently utilizing AR smart glasses in their practice or planning to incorporate them in the future, several appealing features of the technology have been identified:
- Forty-four percent access to in-depth information within their field of view, including 3D anatomical images, models, real-time medical references, and patient information.
- Forty-one percent lower-risk surgical environments by minimizing unnecessary entry and exit from the operating room.
- Thirty-four percent training prospective surgeons and caregivers by offering a "see-what-I-see" perspective.
- Thirty percent cost reduction in surgical equipment and staff.
- Twenty-eight percent collaborating with remote clinical teams and accessing surgical care worldwide.
- Twenty-six percent accelerates surgical operation preparation times.
In addition to uncovering the positive sentiment towards AR smart glasses, the research also explored the concerns expressed by surveyed surgeons regarding their adoption in the operating room. Foremost among these concerns is the glasses' comfort, with a third of surgeons (33%) highlighting this as a top concern. Following closely behind are interface challenges (29%), learning curve (29%), and battery life (28%). Sensory overload (25%), cost (24%), privacy (21%), and unreliable WiFi (19%) were also cited as potential issues.
Regional Variations in Surgeons' Adoption of AR Smart Glasses
The familiarity and usage of AR smart glasses among surgeons vary across different regions, highlighting the importance of considering regional dynamics when implementing AR technology in surgical environments. Surgeons in the South lead the way with the highest level of familiarity and adoption, as 27% of them have already integrated AR smart glasses into their practice. Following closely are the Midwest and Northeast regions, both at 26% adoption rates. Lastly, the West region exhibits a slightly lower adoption rate of 21%.
Specialty-based Variations
Certain disciplines stand out for their significant adoption and consideration of AR smart glasses in surgical practices.
- For those already utilizing AR smart glasses, cardiovascular surgeons lead the way at 47%, followed by podiatric surgeons (34%), general surgeons (34%), neurosurgeons (34%), oral/maxillofacial surgeons (32%), and cardiothoracic surgeons (30%).
- in considering AR smart glasses use, plastic surgeons are at the forefront with 42% expressing interest, closely followed by transplant surgeons (41%), orthopedic surgeons (39%), hand surgeons (37%), and neurosurgeons (34%).
- Among those who have used AR smart glasses in the past and found them helpful, oral/maxillofacial surgeons top the list with 29% reporting positive experiences. They are followed by ophthalmic surgeons (27%), bariatric surgeons (27%), obstetric and gynecologic surgeons (25%), and surgical oncology (23%).
The report is based on a comprehensive survey of 506 surgical professionals. Fieldwork was conducted May 3-5. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all U.S. adults aged 25 and above.
Vuzi Corporation is an industry leader in augmented reality technology, providing optical products to various industries.