Michael Barbella, Managing Editor08.29.22
Medical device firms should consider investing in augmented reality (AR) for future prosperity.
The technology is a wise long-term investment for medtech companies, as the global AR market is estimated to be worth $152 billion by 2030 with enterprise AR making up 65% of total revenue, according to GlobalData.
Medical imaging systems that use AR give medical professionals a higher degree of accuracy in surgical procedures. For example, images can often be displayed in three dimensions in real-time, as opposed to a 2D monitor, which lacks depth perception. The surgeon can also access critical patient information more quickly with AR-enhanced systems, and can better capture physical differences between patients. Meanwhile, AR visors can also project directly onto the patient, improving visualization in minimally invasive procedures and eliminating the time spent looking between a patient and a monitor—ultimately leading to faster procedures and reduced risk.
“While there are a multitude of benefits for trained professionals, AR also has huge potential for consumers and non-experts, said Ashley Clarke, a medical analyst at GlobalData. "For example, AR technology has been widely adopted as a useful educational tool for students, and it empowers patients by helping them gain a more thorough understanding of available procedures. AR can even be used to help patients communicate questions or concerns with their doctors when pursuing a diagnosis.”
AR visuals can also provide extra information to professionals performing virtual consultations, a practice becoming more commonplace with the rise of telemedicine post-pandemic and amid shortages in the healthcare workforce. Novarad’s partnership with Microsoft utilizes the HoloLens 2 visor, giving VisAR visibility through a leading tech company and competitive advantage using positively received medical assist hardware.
“Compatibility with off-the-shelf technology also opens Novarad to a larger distribution network, improving accessibility, reducing costs, and allowing faster adoption of the device in practice,” Clark noted.
The technology is a wise long-term investment for medtech companies, as the global AR market is estimated to be worth $152 billion by 2030 with enterprise AR making up 65% of total revenue, according to GlobalData.
Medical imaging systems that use AR give medical professionals a higher degree of accuracy in surgical procedures. For example, images can often be displayed in three dimensions in real-time, as opposed to a 2D monitor, which lacks depth perception. The surgeon can also access critical patient information more quickly with AR-enhanced systems, and can better capture physical differences between patients. Meanwhile, AR visors can also project directly onto the patient, improving visualization in minimally invasive procedures and eliminating the time spent looking between a patient and a monitor—ultimately leading to faster procedures and reduced risk.
“While there are a multitude of benefits for trained professionals, AR also has huge potential for consumers and non-experts, said Ashley Clarke, a medical analyst at GlobalData. "For example, AR technology has been widely adopted as a useful educational tool for students, and it empowers patients by helping them gain a more thorough understanding of available procedures. AR can even be used to help patients communicate questions or concerns with their doctors when pursuing a diagnosis.”
AR visuals can also provide extra information to professionals performing virtual consultations, a practice becoming more commonplace with the rise of telemedicine post-pandemic and amid shortages in the healthcare workforce. Novarad’s partnership with Microsoft utilizes the HoloLens 2 visor, giving VisAR visibility through a leading tech company and competitive advantage using positively received medical assist hardware.
“Compatibility with off-the-shelf technology also opens Novarad to a larger distribution network, improving accessibility, reducing costs, and allowing faster adoption of the device in practice,” Clark noted.