Potential Applications of New Headsets for Virtual and Augmented Reality in Urology

Abstract

Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technologies hold great promise in various medical fields. The release of a new generation of headsets for medical enhanced VR/AR (MER) opens new possibilities for applications in medicine, particularly in urology, to improve accessibility to everyone. These innovative headsets offer deep immersion without requiring a controller, which represents a novel approach to VR/AR engagement. The potential of these headsets applies to all aspects of urology, including surgical training, virtual meetings, communication between health care providers, patient counseling, telemedicine, delivering patient advice, and pain control. MER has the potential to improve operative planning and enhance intraoperative navigation and spatial awareness. The surgeon’s visualization and overall experience can be significantly enhanced via improved guidance and visualization, ultimately leading to greater precision and safety. This cutting-edge technology has the potential to reshape urology practice, communication methods, and medical procedures, and ultimately to improve patients’ experience of their urological condition. Patient summaryThis mini review explores how a new generation of headsets for medical enhanced virtual reality could revolutionize urology by improving surgical planning, assistance during procedures, and medical education. Patients can benefit from better pain management and a deeper understanding of their conditions. However, challenges such as costs, accuracy, and ethical concerns must be addressed. This technology holds promise for transforming urological practice and patient care.