Google Glass as an Alternative to Standard Fluoroscopic Visualization for Percutaneous Fixation of Hand Fractures

Abstract

This pilot study investigated the feasibility of Google Glass to assist visualization of fluoroscopic images during percutaneous pinning of hand fractures. Cadavers were used to compare total time to pin each fracture and total number of radiographs per fracture from a mini C-arm. A FluoroScan monitor was used for radiographic visualization compared to projecting the images in the Google Glass display. All outcome measures significantly improved for proximal phalanx fractures (127 versus 86 seconds, p = 0.017; 5.3 versus 2.2 images, p = 0.003), and fewer images were obtained during fixation of metacarpal fractures using Google Glass compared with traditional techniques (6.4 versus 3.6, p < 0.001). Typical FluoroScan monitor placement may require the surgeon to alter focus away from the operative field, whereas Google Glass allows constant attention directed toward the operative field.

Wearable technology in the operating room: a systematic review

“…Fifteen of the 34 articles (44%) featuring the use of Google Glass were primary research articles;2 5 8 10 11 15 16 19 21 26 28 31 32 35 36 of these, 12 described either exploratory studies or ‘proof-of-concept’ case studies in clinical settings. In general, all of these studies concluded that Google Glass has the potential to enhance various aspects of surgery, but the majority highlighted functional limitations (eg, limited battery life, insufficient resolution and rudimentary voice control), usability issues (eg, incompatibility with surgical loupes, mismatch between the user's natural line of sight and the position of the display) and privacy concerns as significant barriers to practical clinical implementation.…”

“…Unrestricted freedom of motion gave battery-powered wearables a distinct advantage over their wire-connected counterparts, but poor battery life was repeatedly cited as a serious limitation to device usability; when subjected to the heavy usage of continuous video streaming, Google Glass had a reported battery life of 30–40 min,5 10 while GoPro devices required charging after 90 min of continuous recording 39 43. Since these devices were originally developed for the consumer market,1 2 it is not surprising that their designs and capabilities have not been optimised for medical applications.…”

“…For wearables to achieve practical intraoperative implementation, improved battery technology will be critical, as will be device-specific modifications, such as improved camera resolution and a more accurate alignment between the field of view of head-worn cameras and a surgeon user's downward line of sight 16 36. Device design also has important implications for intraoperative safety; poorly designed head-worn displays have the potential to cause inattentional blindness, described as an impeded ability to focus on and detect events in the surrounding environment 10 60 75 76. To successfully expand the use of wearable devices to the operating room, user-centred design will be imperative for optimising usability, promoting clinical uptake and, most importantly, protecting patient safety.…”

Image guided percutaneous spine procedures using an optical see-through head mounted display: proof of concept and rationale

“…This problem may be solved by techniques allowing for simultaneous or in-line visualization of the procedural site and guiding images. [19][20][21][22] Recently introduced OST-HMD headsets can display high resolution images directly in the operator's field of view without obstructing the rest of the procedural scene. 23 24 OST-HMD headsets offer a synchronized assessment of body, image, and action that can confer a significant advantage over traditional display modes.…”

Radiation protection value to the operator from augmented reality smart glasses in interventional fluoroscopy procedures using phantoms

“…The use of smart glasses may offer a solution to these problems, enabling the clinician to direct their gaze wherever they like as the images would appear within the smart glasses rather than on computer monitors located somewhere in the clinical room. 8 In turn this may result in procedures being completed faster and safer as the clinician would be able to observe the live radiographic image without looking away from the patient. Additionally, clinicians are able to record the procedure for future teaching purposes.…”