dvances in computing technology have enabled widespread availability of simulated reality technologies, including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). A number of fields ranging from entertainment and gaming to the military, education, and sports (1-7) have adopted these technologies for use within their respective fields. These technologies provide stereoscopic and three-dimensional (3D) immersion within an environment, as in VR, or overlaid onto a real-world background, as in AR. Many medical specialties are now exploring the application of these tools for their respective fields (8-12). VR and AR technologies are a novel means to communicate and have potential for supplementing radiology training; communicating with colleagues, referring clinicians, and patients; and aiding in interventional radiology procedures. The purpose of this review article is to summarize how three imaging departments have explored VR and AR for radiology. First, we define VR and AR. Second, we detail its application for education and training, communication, and clinical care in interventional radiology. Finally, we review the current limitations and future directions for this technology for radiology.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging technique that images brain activation in vivo, using endogenous deoxyhemoglobin as an endogenous contrast agent to detect changes in blood-level-dependent oxygenation (BOLD effect). We combined fMRI with a novel robotic device (MR-compatible hand-induced robotic device [MR_CHIROD]) so that a person in the scanner can execute a controlled motor task, handsqueezing, which is a very important hand movement to study in neurological motor disease. We employed parallel imaging (generalized auto-calibrating partially parallel acquisitions [GRAPPA]), which allowed higher spatial resolution resulting in increased sensitivity to BOLD. The combination of fMRI with the hand-induced robotic device allowed precise control and monitoring of the task that was executed while a participant was in the scanner; this may prove to be of utility in rehabilitation of hand motor function in patients recovering from neurological deficits (e.g., stroke). Here we outline the protocol for using the current prototype of the MR_CHIROD during an fMRI scan.
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