The New Frontier: A Review of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality in Plastic Surgery

Abstract

Mixed reality, a blending of the physical and digital worlds, can enhance the surgical experience, leading to greater precision, efficiency, and improved outcomes. Various studies across different disciplines have reported encouraging results using mixed reality technologies, such as augmented and virtual reality. To provide a better understanding of the applications and limitations of this technology in plastic surgery, we performed a systematic review of the literature in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The initial query of the National Center for Biotechnology Information database yielded 2544 results, and only 46 articles met our inclusion criteria. The majority of studies were in the field of craniofacial surgery, and uses of mixed reality included preoperative planning, intraoperative guides, and education of surgical trainees. A deeper understanding of mixed reality technologies may promote its integration and also help inspire new and creative applications in healthcare.

Use of Augmented Reality in Reconstructive Microsurgery: A Systematic Review and Development of the Augmented Reality Microsurgery Score

“…12 Most of the studies exploring the use of AR in reconstructive microsurgery employ head-mounted devices or monitors to superimpose anatomical data onto the operative site. However, as has been reported elsewhere, 6 the limitations of these technologies include reduced range of motion, lack of interference with the surgical AR-generated models from CTA scans can be used in reconstructive surgeries. The HoloLens demonstrated to be a useful tool that may reduce anesthetic time and morbidity associated with surgery and improve training and provide remote support for the operating surgeon Abbreviations: ALT, anterior lateral thigh; AR, augmented reality; CT, computerized tomography; DIEP, deep inferior epigastric perforator; DIRT, dynamic infrared thermography; LD, latissimus dorsi; NR, not reported.…”

“…5 Sayadi et al reviewed the use of AR and virtual reality (VR) in plastic surgery, but there remained a paucity of reconstructive microsurgery research articles in their review and their literature search was limited to one database. 6 Consequently, there has yet to be a systematic review that has comprehensively evaluated the use of AR in reconstructive surgery. With the increased use of AR in surgery year upon year (►Fig.…”

Augmented Reality in Plastic Surgery Education

“…This simulates a Virtual Reality rehab setting by having subjects perform repeated goal-directed wrist/hand reaching tasks. Subjects held a cupshaped color-marker in the paretic hand and, reach out for a virtual fruit target in this study [18].…”

Use of Simulation in Plastic Surgery Training

“…VR is touted for its ability to provide rare and complex experiences that are not often encountered in the day-to-day setting. 15 , 16 Many VR programs focus on improving identification of anatomic variation and evaluating procedural knowledge. The drawbacks of VR are its expensive up-front costs and its inability to fully capture the physical aspects of surgery because of its lack of high-quality haptic feedback.…”

“…The drawbacks of VR are its expensive up-front costs and its inability to fully capture the physical aspects of surgery because of its lack of high-quality haptic feedback. 15 , 16 …”