[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":2020},["ShallowReactive",2],{"category-augmented-reality":3},{"category":4,"posts":42,"featured":2018,"ebooks":2019},{"id":5,"count":6,"description":7,"link":8,"name":9,"slug":10,"taxonomy":11,"parent":12,"meta":13,"acf":14,"z_taxonomy_image_url":17,"yoast_meta":18,"taxonomy_image":17,"_links":21},493,27,"Augmented reality headsets, goggles, and soon contact lenses let users project digital information over the real-life image they see. Medical applications help doctors prepare for operations and medical students to learn anatomy.","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fcategory\u002Faugmented-reality\u002F","Augmented Reality","augmented-reality","category",0,[],{"listing_order":15,"child_category_ids":16},"2",false,"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fmicrosoft-hololens.png",{"yoast_wpseo_title":19,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":20},"Medical Augmented Reality - The Medical Futurist","Find the latest medical augmented reality articles from The Medical Futurist!",{"self":22,"collection":28,"about":31,"wp:post_type":34,"curies":37},[23],{"href":24,"targetHints":25},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories\u002F493",{"allow":26},[27],"GET",[29],{"href":30},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories",[32],{"href":33},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftaxonomies\u002Fcategory",[35],{"href":36},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts?categories=493",[38],{"name":39,"href":40,"templated":41},"wp","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.w.org\u002F{rel}",true,[43,212,309,402,563,672,806,925,1060,1181,1314,1417,1517,1639,1749,1886],{"id":44,"date":45,"date_gmt":46,"guid":47,"modified":49,"modified_gmt":50,"slug":51,"status":52,"type":53,"link":54,"title":55,"content":57,"excerpt":59,"author":61,"featured_media":62,"comment_status":63,"ping_status":63,"sticky":41,"template":64,"format":65,"meta":66,"categories":67,"tags":70,"project_category":79,"contact_email_category":81,"yst_prominent_words":82,"class_list":89,"better_featured_image":108,"acf":146,"yoast_meta":161,"_links":163},49447,"2026-07-27T15:11:42","2026-07-27T13:11:42",{"rendered":48},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=49447&_wpnonce=4178d1c6cd&status=auto-draft&type=post","2026-07-27T15:11:53","2026-07-27T13:11:53","6-healthcare-examples-of-virtual-augmented-and-mixed-reality","publish","post","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F6-healthcare-examples-of-virtual-augmented-and-mixed-reality",{"rendered":56},"6 Healthcare Examples Of Virtual, Augmented And Mixed Reality",{"rendered":58,"protected":16},"\n\u003Cp>Lately, there has been a tendency in the tech world to adopt “new” realities in their midst. Meta has \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gamesindustry.biz\u002Farticles\u002F2021-12-03-oculus-quest-to-rebrand-as-meta-quest-in-2022\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">a branch dedicated\u003C\u002Fa> to developing virtual reality (VR) hardware and software; earlier this year \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theverge.com\u002F2023\u002F1\u002F5\u002F23539328\u002Fhtc-vive-xr-elite-ar-vr-headset-pricing-launch-date-ces\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HTC unveiled\u003C\u002Fa> its new augmented reality (AR) glasses; while Apple is reportedly \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theverge.com\u002F2023\u002F1\u002F17\u002F23560097\u002Fapple-ar-vr-glasses-headset-rumor-mixed-reality\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gearing up to launch\u003C\u002Fa> a mixed reality (MR) headset. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Collectively, VR, AR and MR fall under the umbrella term of extended reality (XR), which \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goldmansachs.com\u002Finsights\u002Fpages\u002Fvirtual-and-augmented-reality-report.html\" target=\"_blank\">analysts believe\u003C\u002Fa> holds the potential to be the next major computing platform. Such potentials have spillover effects into the medical field through digital health approaches, and healthcare practice is already adopting such XR approaches. We’ll take a look at examples of each, but first, let’s get acquainted with those “new realities” through the following:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes table table-striped table-bordered table-sm\">\u003Ctable>\u003Ctbody>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u003Cstrong>Term\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u003Cstrong>What it does\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Virtual Reality (VR)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Completely shields the physical world from the user and immerses them in an interactive virtual environment\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Augmented Reality (AR)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Superimposes the physical environment with virtual elements that have limited interaction \u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Mixed Reality (MR)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Merges aspects from both VR and AR to incorporate virtual elements into the physical world with a wide range of interaction\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Extended Reality (XR)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">An umbrella term for technologies including VR, AR and MR\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003C\u002Ftbody>\u003C\u002Ftable>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Virtual reality: complete immersion for exposure therapy and pain management\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Virtual reality might be the most popular form of XR as it has been popularised by the likes of \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fhow-the-metaverse-could-or-could-not-transform-healthcare\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Meta\u003C\u002Fa> and the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F4-examples-of-merging-gaming-digital-health\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gaming industry\u003C\u002Fa>. Traditionally, the technology is accessed through a dedicated headset that completely shields the wearer’s view and immerses them in a virtual world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"One-Minute Challenge: Virtual Reality - The Medical Futurist\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FIVfmkds2PcQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The immersiveness that VR offers has made it an appropriate fit as a drug-free alternative for mental health care and pain management.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In the case of mental health, more specifically anxiety disorders, VR exposure therapy (VRET) –  which involves gradual exposure of a patient to an anxiety-inducing stimulus – has gained traction. Researchers found the approach \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002F30892564\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">can be effective\u003C\u002Fa> while also offering the potential for \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Fpmc\u002Farticles\u002FPMC8742249\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">remote mental health access\u003C\u002Fa>, and thereby increasing accessibility. Already, companies like \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ovrcome.io\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">oVRcome\u003C\u002Fa> and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.psylaris.com\u002Fen\u002Fexposure\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Psylaris\u003C\u002Fa> offer commercially-available VRET.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>VR has also been explored to reduce pain in labour and delivery by having the user visualise breathing and relaxation techniques. A study utilising such a method found that women who used VR during labour had \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ajog.org\u002Farticle\u002FS0002-9378(19)31425-5\u002Ffulltext\" target=\"_blank\">a statistically significant reduction\u003C\u002Fa> in pain. In subsequent studies, researchers \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sciencedirect.com\u002Fscience\u002Farticle\u002Fabs\u002Fpii\u002FS187757562200026X\" target=\"_blank\">found similar benefits\u003C\u002Fa> of VR-aided labour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Augmented reality: virtual elements for patient education and aiding surgery\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>There might also be some familiarity with augmented reality as it is the technology employed behind the much-hyped Pokémon Go as well as Snapchat filters. AR can be accessed through a screen, which can be a smartphone or even glasses, that superimposes virtual elements onto the real world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>While the technology is still maturing, AR already has some \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Faugmented-reality-in-healthcare-will-be-revolutionary\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">promising use cases in healthcare\u003C\u002Fa>. In fact, despite the budding aspect of the technology, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sciencedirect.com\u002Fscience\u002Farticle\u002Fpii\u002FS0738399122000982\" target=\"_blank\">researchers identified \u003C\u002Fa>the technology as potentially beneficial in patient education, whether it’s for nutritional or pre-operative information. UK-based company \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Ffuturistic-forward-looking-and-fun-the-curiscope-virtuali-tee-review\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">Curiscope\u003C\u002Fa> already manufactures commercially-available AR t-shirts that provide basic anatomy information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"My Organs In Augmented Reality! - The Medical Futurist\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FVXBks60oKw4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>AR has also been put into practice on the surgical table itself. Neurosurgeons at Johns Hopkins University performed their first \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fclinicalconnection.hopkinsmedicine.org\u002Fnews\u002Fjohns-hopkins-performs-its-first-augmented-reality-surgeries-in-patients\" target=\"_blank\">AR-assisted spinal fusion surgery\u003C\u002Fa> in 2020. Using a headset developed by Augmedics, surgeons could visualise CT scans of the patient’s internal anatomy without having to look at a separate screen. A similar procedure with the technology \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fnews.hss.edu\u002Fmore-than-the-eye-can-see-hospital-for-special-surgery-first-in-nys-to-use-augmented-reality-guidance-in-spine-surgery\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">was successfully completed\u003C\u002Fa> in December 2022 at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York State.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Mixed reality: training future doctors and assisting in hands-free medical consultations\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>When it comes to mixed reality, there are some overlaps with AR as it also supplements the actual world with virtual elements akin to holograms. But MR differs in that it adds an additional layer of depth and perspective to its virtual elements that enable further interactions that are not possible through AR. MR use has largely remained in the realm of industries – rather than for the general consumer – through devices such as the \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fmixed-reality-healthcare-hololens-review\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">Microsoft Hololens\u003C\u002Fa> and the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.magicleap.com\u002Fen-us\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Magic Leap\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The former device has been adopted by Case Western Reserve University for several years in anatomy lessons. Accessed through the Hololens, their HoloAnatomy app enables students to view holograms of real body parts. The technology enabled first-year medical students to follow an all-remote anatomy course during the COVID-19 pandemic. The vast majority \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.newswise.com\u002Farticles\u002Fglobal-first-in-mixed-reality-education-during-covid-19-pandemic\" target=\"_blank\">preferred this mode\u003C\u002Fa> as well as believed such MR methods can effectively teach anatomy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Amidst the public health crisis, the Hololens was also put to use by doctors at the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Physicians at the Trust \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fnews.microsoft.com\u002Fen-gb\u002F2020\u002F05\u002F19\u002Fimperial-college-healthcare-nhs-trust-uses-microsoft-hololens-to-protect-doctors-and-reduce-need-for-ppe\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">employed the MR headset\u003C\u002Fa> to hold hands-free conversations with colleagues and patients while viewing medical notes and X-rays for clinical decision-making.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust uses mixed reality in the fight against COVID-19\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002F8BvQVxB5CBE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>We hope these examples helped illustrate the potential of XR technology in healthcare. Note that these were only 6 of the multitude of potential and implemented applications, and many more are expected to emerge in the near future. Are there any XR applications in healthcare that piqued your interest and weren’t featured in this article? Do share them with us!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>Written by Dr. Bertalan Meskó & Dr. Pranavsingh Dhunnoo\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":60,"protected":16},"\u003Cp>Virtual, augmented and mixed reality all fall under the umbrella term of extended reality, and all are finding their way into healthcare. Let’s get acquainted with those “new realities” through examples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",16,49459,"closed","","standard",{"_acf_changed":16,"footnotes":64},[68,5,69],7079,514,[71,72,73,74,75,76,77,78],724,7771,1066,1270,145,445,450,527,[80],950,[],[83,84,85,86,87,88],1559,1725,1731,1853,2303,3215,[90,53,91,92,93,94,95,96,97,98,99,100,101,102,103,104,105,106,107],"post-49447","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tmf","category-augmented-reality","category-virtual-reality","tag-mixed-reality","tag-extended-reality","tag-mr","tag-xr","tag-augmented-reality-2","tag-virtual-reality","tag-vr","tag-ar","project_category-medical-professionals",{"id":62,"alt_text":109,"caption":64,"description":109,"media_type":110,"media_details":111,"post":44,"source_url":145},"tmf VR AR MR virtual reality, augmented reality, extended reality, woman, headset, organ, heart","image",{"width":112,"height":113,"file":114,"filesize":115,"sizes":116,"image_meta":142},6667,3750,"2023\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_354-01.png",1034404,{"medium":117,"large":124,"thumbnail":130,"medium_large":135,"1536x1536":136},{"file":118,"width":119,"height":120,"mime-type":121,"filesize":122,"source_url":123},"tmf_article_354-01-370x208.png",370,208,"image\u002Fpng",35128,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_354-01-370x208.png",{"file":125,"width":126,"height":127,"mime-type":121,"filesize":128,"source_url":129},"tmf_article_354-01-768x432.png",768,432,90942,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_354-01-768x432.png",{"file":131,"width":132,"height":132,"mime-type":121,"filesize":133,"source_url":134},"tmf_article_354-01-150x150.png",150,18566,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_354-01-150x150.png",{"file":125,"width":126,"height":127,"mime-type":121,"filesize":128,"source_url":129},{"file":137,"width":138,"height":139,"mime-type":121,"filesize":140,"source_url":141},"tmf_article_354-01-1536x864.png",1536,864,224032,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_354-01-1536x864.png",{"aperture":143,"credit":64,"camera":64,"caption":64,"created_timestamp":143,"copyright":64,"focal_length":143,"iso":143,"shutter_speed":143,"title":64,"orientation":143,"keywords":144},"0",[],"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_354-01.png",{"cta_type":147,"cta_color":64,"subtitle":64,"related_books":148,"related_posts_footer":152,"related_posts":16,"key_takeaways":156},"subscribe",[149,150,151],24759,24761,30419,[153,154,155],48979,48665,49015,[157,159],{"title":158},"\u003Cp>Collectively, VR, AR and MR fall under the umbrella term of extended reality (XR), which analysts believe holds the potential to be the next major computing platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":160},"\u003Cp>Such potentials have spillover effects into the medical field through digital health approaches, and healthcare practice is already adopting such XR approaches. We’ll take a look at examples of each!\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"yoast_wpseo_title":56,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":162,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":54},"Virtual, augmented and mixed reality are parts of extended reality. Let’s get friends with “new realities”, as their healthcare use is around the corner.",{"self":164,"collection":169,"about":172,"author":175,"replies":178,"version-history":181,"predecessor-version":185,"wp:featuredmedia":189,"wp:attachment":192,"wp:term":195,"curies":210},[165],{"href":166,"targetHints":167},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F49447",{"allow":168},[27],[170],{"href":171},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts",[173],{"href":174},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftypes\u002Fpost",[176],{"embeddable":41,"href":177},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fusers\u002F16",[179],{"embeddable":41,"href":180},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=49447",[182],{"count":183,"href":184},12,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F49447\u002Frevisions",[186],{"id":187,"href":188},61037,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F49447\u002Frevisions\u002F61037",[190],{"embeddable":41,"href":191},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F49459",[193],{"href":194},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=49447",[196,198,201,204,207],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":41,"href":197},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=49447",{"taxonomy":199,"embeddable":41,"href":200},"post_tag","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=49447",{"taxonomy":202,"embeddable":41,"href":203},"project_category","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=49447",{"taxonomy":205,"embeddable":41,"href":206},"contact_email_category","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=49447",{"taxonomy":208,"embeddable":41,"href":209},"yst_prominent_words","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=49447",[211],{"name":39,"href":40,"templated":41},{"id":213,"date":214,"date_gmt":215,"guid":216,"modified":218,"modified_gmt":219,"slug":220,"status":52,"type":53,"link":221,"title":222,"content":224,"excerpt":226,"author":61,"featured_media":62,"comment_status":63,"ping_status":63,"sticky":41,"template":64,"format":65,"meta":228,"categories":229,"tags":234,"project_category":235,"contact_email_category":236,"yst_prominent_words":237,"class_list":242,"better_featured_image":248,"acf":258,"yoast_meta":266,"_links":268},59685,"2025-12-12T10:00:00","2025-12-12T09:00:00",{"rendered":217},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=59685&_wpnonce=d62e37b5ad&status=auto-draft&type=post","2025-12-11T13:47:40","2025-12-11T12:47:40","smart-glasses-in-healthcare-the-current-state-and-future-potentials","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fsmart-glasses-in-healthcare-the-current-state-and-future-potentials",{"rendered":223},"Smart Glasses In Healthcare: The Current State And Future Potentials",{"rendered":225,"protected":16},"\n\u003Cp>According to recent reports, Meta \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bbc.com\u002Fnews\u002Farticles\u002Fcvgk9rqx5kjo\">is winding down\u003C\u002Fa> its metaverse investments in favour of AI glasses and wearables. Despite the lack of popularity of \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fhow-the-metaverse-could-or-could-not-transform-healthcare\u002F\">the metaverse\u003C\u002Fa>, it is a somewhat surprising move for Meta. After all, it is the company that \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fabout.fb.com\u002Fnews\u002F2021\u002F10\u002Ffacebook-company-is-now-meta\u002F\">changed its name\u003C\u002Fa> to emphasise its commitment to the concept of a universe of interconnected virtual worlds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Nowadays, Meta seems to be more popular as the maker of the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.meta.com\u002Fai-glasses\u002F\">Ray-Ban-branded AI-enabled smart glasses\u003C\u002Fa>. However, Meta is far from the only company in this space, and it was far from being the first either. Smaller companies like \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbrilliant.xyz\u002F\">Brilliant Labs\u003C\u002Fa> have a few generations of such products, and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fspectrum.ieee.org\u002Ftwo-visions-for-smart-glasses\">bigger players like Google and Apple\u003C\u002Fa> are reportedly planning to launch competing models. In other words, the race is officially on to put computers on our faces, and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fspectrum.ieee.org\u002Ftwo-visions-for-smart-glasses\">analysts expect\u003C\u002Fa> a massive growth in this market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>With real momentum behind such hardware, it will only be a matter of time before these devices are applied to healthcare settings, if they haven’t already. But will smart glasses in healthcare become meaningful tools, or will they become yet another gimmicky tech? We decided to investigate, with insights from Brilliant Lab’s CEO, Bobak Tavangar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>What are AI-enabled smart glasses?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>It’s worth making the difference with other \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F6-healthcare-examples-of-virtual-augmented-and-mixed-reality\">smart head-worn devices\u003C\u002Fa> here. In particular, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) headsets share similar features to smartglasses, but pack more advanced technology and are typically bulkier. Smartglasses can be somewhat considered as very simplified versions of these headsets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F08\u002F0323_vrarxr_infographic-v3-768x432.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-59007\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F08\u002F0323_vrarxr_infographic-v3-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F08\u002F0323_vrarxr_infographic-v3-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F08\u002F0323_vrarxr_infographic-v3-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F08\u002F0323_vrarxr_infographic-v3.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\u003Cp>Meta might have popularised AI-enabled smart glasses in recent years, but such devices existed well before the company’s foray into this space. They were marketed to consumers towards the late 2010s by small companies like \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fsolosglasses.com\u002F\">Solos\u003C\u002Fa>, and would simply be termed as “smart glasses” or “audio glasses”. This is because they would look like regular glasses with tiny speakers in each temple, without any display or camera. They would allow users to take calls, listen to music or query a voice assistant like Siri or Google Assistant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In the early 2020s, companies started to experiment with integrating displays and cameras in such glasses. Some, like the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.xreal.com\u002F\">XREAL glasses\u003C\u002Fa> would operate with a smartphone connection, while others, like the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.inmoxr.com\u002Fpages\u002Fabout-us\">INMO glasses,\u003C\u002Fa> would work independently. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>During that time, one startup took an unusual approach. Brilliant Lab’s first smart glasses, the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fdocs.brilliant.xyz\u002Fmonocle\u002Fmonocle\u002F\">Monocle\u003C\u002Fa>, was an open-source, developer-focused device that could attach to your current glasses. It was among the first to bear the moniker of “AI glasses”. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>“So we really saw this opportunity not just to make a beautiful thing that’s priced well, but to do a device that harnesses artificial intelligence to amplify your latent powers of mind and speech and understanding,” Bobak Tavangar, CEO of Brilliant Labs, told us. “Because something like glasses is something that many of us wear all day, every day. And if AI can do that for you, you all of a sudden become a super version of yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The company will soon release its third product, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbrilliant.xyz\u002Fproducts\u002Fhalo\">the Halo glasses\u003C\u002Fa>, and it shares similarities with other devices in the market. It seems like, currently, the more common features of smart glasses include embedded displays, a front-facing camera, a microphone, and integrated speakers. Most of these devices come with a companion smartphone app that supports AI interactions. This array of technologies has its practical healthcare uses but also raises some concerns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Current practical uses of smartglasses in healthcare\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Smartglasses might sound like a pricey end-of-year gift for the tech-savvy person in your life, but they have practical healthcare uses. So far, the biggest beneficial use case has been accessibility for those with vision and hearing impairment. Glasses are typically used to aid in vision correction, but with additional sensors, they bring other layers of accessibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fglobal.rokid.com\u002Fpages\u002Frokid-glasses\">Rokid Glasses\u003C\u002Fa>, for example, can address farsightedness by making small prints more legible on the glasses’ own display with an adjustable font size. The same device can provide \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.techlicious.com\u002Fblog\u002Frokid-smart-glasses-promise-accessibility-breakthroughs\u002F\">real-time closed captions\u003C\u002Fa> by transcribing what a speaker is saying and displaying it on the screen. This can be beneficial for people with diminished hearing and even help with translation. This indicates an exciting future where smartglasses could pack a hearing aid feature, akin to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zdnet.com\u002Farticle\u002Fturn-your-airpods-pro-2-into-hearing-aids-testing-and-tracking-hearing-health-in-ios-18-1\u002F\">the AirPods Pro 2\u003C\u002Fa>, making such accessories feel more seamless and less stigmatised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In fact, companies and researchers are investigating such versions of smartglasses. Nuance Audio markets its \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nuanceaudio.com\u002Fen-us\">Nuance Audio glasses\u003C\u002Fa> as an “invisible hearing aid solution”. The frame features an array of six microphones to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zdnet.com\u002Farticle\u002Fi-tried-smart-glasses-with-built-in-hearing-aids-and-they-worked-surprisingly-well-at-ces\u002F\">capture sound and amplify it\u003C\u002Fa> via the integrated speakers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Introducing Nuance Audio Glasses\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002F5ofHKviDuGA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Researchers in Scotland \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.androidpolice.com\u002Fhow-smartglasses-with-ai-could-give-hearing-aids-superpowers\u002F\">have developed\u003C\u002Fa> a pair of smartglasses that uses an embedded camera to track a speaker’s lip movements, apply lip-reading technology and AI removal of background noise to enhance hearing. Project lead Professor Mathini Sellathurai c\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.androidpolice.com\u002Fhow-smartglasses-with-ai-could-give-hearing-aids-superpowers\u002F\">onsiders these glasses\u003C\u002Fa> as providing hearing aids with superpowers, and expects a working prototype to be available in 2026.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Such meaningful use cases for smart glasses gave Brilliant Labs the conviction to go the open source route for their devices. “Regardless of whether you’re hard of hearing or hard of seeing, there is a sensor for you; that’s why it’s open,” Bobak Tavangar told us. “There’s a lot of software developers out there building for these communities who can hook into our platform and deliver an experience for them.” \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Future potential uses of smartglasses in healthcare\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Improving accessibility seems to be the most immediate impact of smartglasses in healthcare, but they hold more potential down the line. While current smartglasses can be considered as simplified AR devices, they might replace these bulkier counterparts as technology progresses. AR and MR devices are \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F6-healthcare-examples-of-virtual-augmented-and-mixed-reality\">already in use\u003C\u002Fa> for medical training and anxiety disorders, but having more compact tools like smartglasses would be more convenient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The Google Glass, Google’s failed attempt at consumer-oriented smartglasses from 2012, even found a brief home \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ucsf.edu\u002Fnews\u002F2013\u002F10\u002F109526\u002Fgoogle-glass-delivers-new-insight-during-surgery\">in surgical uses\u003C\u002Fa>. Other companies are taking it where it left off. For instance, Snke OS GmbH recently \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mobihealthnews.com\u002Fnews\u002Fsnke-unveils-snkexr-medical-ar-glasses-healthcare\">revealed the SnkeXR\u003C\u002Fa>, an open platform AR glasses dedicated to healthcare uses. It is packed with a range of clinically-oriented features such as a built-in surgical tracker and stereoscopic loupe magnification. These make its use cases wide-ranging, from clinical training to remote assistance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Snke Unveils SnkeXR, the First Medical Grade, Open Platform AR Glasses for Healthcare\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FPbLrUHeBOng?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>There is even the possibility for smart glasses to become healthcare companions. The second generation of smart glasses from Even Realities provides such an indication. The \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.evenrealities.com\u002Fsmart-glasses\">Even Realities G2\u003C\u002Fa> can be paired with the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.evenrealities.com\u002Fsmart-ring\">Even Realities R1\u003C\u002Fa>, a smart ring that can monitor health metrics such as heart rate, temperature and steps. These readings can be mirrored to the glasses’ display, without the need to look at your phone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Brilliant Labs’ CEO thinks that smart glasses can have a more proactive role in healthcare in the future. Aside from eye health, sensors directed at the retina could work like an early warning detection system for the rest of the body, he told us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>An eye on the new concerns\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>After over a decade of trying to find a sure footing, consumer-grade smartglasses appear to be ready for adoption, even within healthcare. However, the new tool presents new challenges, especially in relation to privacy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As smartglasses increasingly adopt front-facing cameras, the issue of privacy is paramount. Products from data-hungry and ad-supported companies like Meta and Google can represent a privacy nightmare. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Brilliant Labs’ Bobak Tavangar believes that we need to provide AI with “eyes” to fulfil the technology’s potential. As such, his company sees cameras as a necessity for AI-enabled smartglasses. “The reason is that it needs to mimic your biological sensors,” he explains. “Not only hearing what you hear, but it needs to see what you see.” \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The open-source nature of their devices makes them more privacy-focused than their big tech competitors, as Brilliant Labs’ system is explainable and modifiable. The rich data captured by their glasses is sent to your phone only for AI inference, not for social media captures or storage. After an AI model does inference, that data is tossed away and not stored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>“We’re not making money by mining your eyeballs and selling them to the highest paying advertiser,” Tavangar adds. “We think about both open source and privacy as two really interlocking elements.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Still, other competitors in this space have a different approach to AI glasses. Models from companies like \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.evenrealities.com\u002Fsmart-glasses\">Even Realities\u003C\u002Fa> and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ftech.yahoo.com\u002Fgeneral\u002Farticles\u002Fhalliday-fact-checking-smart-glasses-030050284.html\">Halliday\u003C\u002Fa> do not have a camera, specifically to prioritise privacy and make for a product that is more readily adopted. These glasses can mirror a phone’s notifications and rely on AI interactions, such as queries or note-taking, rather than for full-on content consumption.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Despite the diverging philosophies in terms of privacy, most of these devices are still \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fgizmodo.com\u002Fmeta-ray-ban-display-repair-impossible-ifixit-2000677508\">practically impossible to repair\u003C\u002Fa>. Brilliant Labs’ glasses might be the exception, as the hardware is open source and can be fixed with 3D printed parts, but the competition offers pricey, fragile glasses. If they are damaged, your local optician might not be able to fix them, and they can become impediments, rather than accessibility devices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>There is definitely a place for smart glasses in healthcare, but their adoption should not come at the expense of privacy or accessibility. There is no perfect solution as of now, but with an expanding market and vibrant competition, we might see more healthcare-specific and privacy-focused options become available in the near future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>Written by Dr. Bertalan Meskó & Dr. Pranavsingh Dhunnoo\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":227,"protected":16},"\u003Cp>According to recent reports, Meta is winding down its metaverse investments in favour of AI glasses and wearables. Despite the lack of popularity of the […]\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"_acf_changed":16,"footnotes":64},[68,230,5,231,232,233,69],504,496,499,799,[],[],[],[238,239,240,241],1683,1833,3855,4295,[243,53,91,92,93,94,95,96,244,97,245,246,247,98],"post-59685","category-artificial-intelligence","category-health-sensors-trackers","category-healthcare-design","category-security-privacy",{"id":62,"alt_text":109,"caption":64,"description":109,"media_type":110,"media_details":249,"post":44,"source_url":145},{"width":112,"height":113,"file":114,"filesize":115,"sizes":250,"image_meta":256},{"medium":251,"large":252,"thumbnail":253,"medium_large":254,"1536x1536":255},{"file":118,"width":119,"height":120,"mime-type":121,"filesize":122,"source_url":123},{"file":125,"width":126,"height":127,"mime-type":121,"filesize":128,"source_url":129},{"file":131,"width":132,"height":132,"mime-type":121,"filesize":133,"source_url":134},{"file":125,"width":126,"height":127,"mime-type":121,"filesize":128,"source_url":129},{"file":137,"width":138,"height":139,"mime-type":121,"filesize":140,"source_url":141},{"aperture":143,"credit":64,"camera":64,"caption":64,"created_timestamp":143,"copyright":64,"focal_length":143,"iso":143,"shutter_speed":143,"title":64,"orientation":143,"keywords":257},[],{"subtitle":64,"key_takeaways":259,"cta_type":64,"cta_color":64,"related_books":16,"related_posts_footer":16,"related_posts":16},[260,262,264],{"title":261},"\u003Cp>The tech industry has been on a race to put computers on our faces, and the most successful attempt has been AI-enabled smart glasses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":263},"\u003Cp>With the momentum behind such hardware, it is only a matter of time before smart glasses are applied for healthcare uses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":265},"\u003Cp>There might be practical use cases for smart glasses in healthcare, but privacy concerns take a new dimension with such tools.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"yoast_wpseo_title":267,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":64,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":221},"Smart Glasses In Healthcare: The Current State And Future Potentials - The Medical Futurist",{"self":269,"collection":274,"about":276,"author":278,"replies":280,"version-history":283,"predecessor-version":287,"wp:featuredmedia":291,"wp:attachment":293,"wp:term":296,"curies":307},[270],{"href":271,"targetHints":272},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F59685",{"allow":273},[27],[275],{"href":171},[277],{"href":174},[279],{"embeddable":41,"href":177},[281],{"embeddable":41,"href":282},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=59685",[284],{"count":285,"href":286},1,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F59685\u002Frevisions",[288],{"id":289,"href":290},59691,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F59685\u002Frevisions\u002F59691",[292],{"embeddable":41,"href":191},[294],{"href":295},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=59685",[297,299,301,303,305],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":41,"href":298},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=59685",{"taxonomy":199,"embeddable":41,"href":300},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=59685",{"taxonomy":202,"embeddable":41,"href":302},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=59685",{"taxonomy":205,"embeddable":41,"href":304},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=59685",{"taxonomy":208,"embeddable":41,"href":306},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=59685",[308],{"name":39,"href":40,"templated":41},{"id":310,"date":311,"date_gmt":312,"guid":313,"modified":315,"modified_gmt":316,"slug":317,"status":52,"type":53,"link":318,"title":319,"content":321,"excerpt":323,"author":325,"featured_media":62,"comment_status":63,"ping_status":63,"sticky":41,"template":64,"format":65,"meta":326,"categories":327,"tags":329,"project_category":330,"contact_email_category":331,"yst_prominent_words":332,"class_list":337,"better_featured_image":340,"acf":350,"yoast_meta":358,"_links":360},59005,"2025-08-25T11:30:55","2025-08-25T09:30:55",{"rendered":314},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=59005&_wpnonce=2d3db70c8b&status=auto-draft&type=post","2025-08-28T11:43:14","2025-08-28T09:43:14","what-can-we-learn-from-the-fdas-list-of-augmented-and-virtual-reality-devices","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fwhat-can-we-learn-from-the-fdas-list-of-augmented-and-virtual-reality-devices",{"rendered":320},"What Can We Learn From The FDA’s List of Augmented and Virtual Reality Devices?",{"rendered":322,"protected":16},"\n\u003Cp>Similar to AI-based medical devices, the US regulator, the \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.fda.gov\u002Fmedical-devices\u002Fdigital-health-center-excellence\u002Faugmented-reality-and-virtual-reality-medical-devices\" target=\"_blank\">FDA has an official list of devices of augmented and virtual reality too\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F6-healthcare-examples-of-virtual-augmented-and-mixed-reality\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Just as a quick reminder\u003C\u002Fa>, Virtual Reality (VR) completely shields the physical world from the user and immerses them in an interactive virtual environment. While Augmented Reality (AR) superimposes the physical environment with virtual elements that have limited interaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As the FDA states:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cblockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n\u003Cp>“Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality have the potential to transform health care, delivering new types of treatments and diagnostics and changing how and where care is delivered. Central to their potential in diagnosis and treatment is their ability to deliver both standard and entirely new types of content in highly immersive and realistic ways, remotely, and tailored to a variety of clinical contexts. Physicians, patients, and caregivers can enlist AR\u002FVR to help them prepare for, or perform, certain treatments or procedures.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F08\u002F0323_vrarxr_infographic-v3-768x432.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-59007\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F08\u002F0323_vrarxr_infographic-v3-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F08\u002F0323_vrarxr_infographic-v3-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F08\u002F0323_vrarxr_infographic-v3-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F08\u002F0323_vrarxr_infographic-v3.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The list\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>There are 92 devices in the list as of today. Here are the analyses based on different aspects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Regarding which \u003Cstrong>medical specialties\u003C\u002Fstrong> the devices are related to:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>Radiology 34 devices\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Orthopedic 25\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Neurology 17\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Physical Medicine 7\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Ophthalmic 4\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Regarding \u003Cstrong>when \u003C\u002Fstrong>the devices got approved, there is a slow increase over the years:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>2015 1\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>2016 4\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>2017 4\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>2018 3\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>2019 7\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>2020 5\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>2021 12\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>2022 14\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>2023 19\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>2024 16\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>2025 August 7\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Regarding \u003Cstrong>submission type\u003C\u002Fstrong>, 90 devices have received approvals as the 510(k) submission type, with only two devices being cleared through the De Novo process.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>And regarding \u003Cstrong>companies \u003C\u002Fstrong>that submitted the applications, here are the ones with multiple approvals or clearances:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>Medacta International S.A. 8\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Pixee Medical 5\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Surgical Theater, Inc. 5\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Augmedics Ltd. 5\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Ceevra, Inc. 4\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As always, we will keep a close eye on such developments and reanalyze the list as soon as updates are available.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusions\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>While this list is not even comparable to that of AI-based medical devices, it sets a great example for other policy-makers and regulators to make their official lists public. The FDA is leading the race in this aspect worldwide. Companies working on VR and AR applications could get a better picture of what use cases and real-life clinical or patient needs could overcome the hurdles of regulations better.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":324,"protected":16},"\u003Cp>While this list is not even comparable to that of AI-based medical devices, it sets a great example for other policy-makers and regulators to make their official lists public.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",6,{"_acf_changed":16,"footnotes":64},[5,328,69],800,[],[],[],[85,86,333,87,241,334,335,336,84],2297,4505,5067,1723,[338,53,91,92,93,94,95,97,339,98],"post-59005","category-healthcare-policy",{"id":62,"alt_text":109,"caption":64,"description":109,"media_type":110,"media_details":341,"post":44,"source_url":145},{"width":112,"height":113,"file":114,"filesize":115,"sizes":342,"image_meta":348},{"medium":343,"large":344,"thumbnail":345,"medium_large":346,"1536x1536":347},{"file":118,"width":119,"height":120,"mime-type":121,"filesize":122,"source_url":123},{"file":125,"width":126,"height":127,"mime-type":121,"filesize":128,"source_url":129},{"file":131,"width":132,"height":132,"mime-type":121,"filesize":133,"source_url":134},{"file":125,"width":126,"height":127,"mime-type":121,"filesize":128,"source_url":129},{"file":137,"width":138,"height":139,"mime-type":121,"filesize":140,"source_url":141},{"aperture":143,"credit":64,"camera":64,"caption":64,"created_timestamp":143,"copyright":64,"focal_length":143,"iso":143,"shutter_speed":143,"title":64,"orientation":143,"keywords":349},[],{"cta_type":64,"cta_color":64,"subtitle":64,"key_takeaways":351,"related_books":16,"related_posts_footer":16,"related_posts":16},[352,354,356],{"title":353},"\u003Cp>Virtual Reality (VR) completely shields the physical world from the user and immerses them in an interactive virtual environment. While Augmented Reality (AR) superimposes the physical environment with virtual elements that have limited interaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":355},"\u003Cp>Similar to AI-based medical devices, the US regulator, the FDA, has an official list of devices of augmented and virtual reality too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":357},"\u003Cp>Companies working on VR and AR applications could get a better picture of what use cases and real-life clinical or patient needs could overcome the hurdles of regulations better.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"yoast_wpseo_title":359,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":64,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":318},"What Can We Learn From The FDA's List of Augmented and Virtual Reality Devices? - The Medical Futurist",{"self":361,"collection":366,"about":368,"author":370,"replies":373,"version-history":376,"predecessor-version":380,"wp:featuredmedia":384,"wp:attachment":386,"wp:term":389,"curies":400},[362],{"href":363,"targetHints":364},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F59005",{"allow":365},[27],[367],{"href":171},[369],{"href":174},[371],{"embeddable":41,"href":372},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fusers\u002F6",[374],{"embeddable":41,"href":375},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=59005",[377],{"count":378,"href":379},3,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F59005\u002Frevisions",[381],{"id":382,"href":383},59019,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F59005\u002Frevisions\u002F59019",[385],{"embeddable":41,"href":191},[387],{"href":388},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=59005",[390,392,394,396,398],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":41,"href":391},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=59005",{"taxonomy":199,"embeddable":41,"href":393},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=59005",{"taxonomy":202,"embeddable":41,"href":395},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=59005",{"taxonomy":205,"embeddable":41,"href":397},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=59005",{"taxonomy":208,"embeddable":41,"href":399},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=59005",[401],{"name":39,"href":40,"templated":41},{"id":403,"date":404,"date_gmt":405,"guid":406,"modified":408,"modified_gmt":409,"slug":410,"status":52,"type":53,"link":411,"title":412,"content":414,"excerpt":416,"author":325,"featured_media":418,"comment_status":63,"ping_status":63,"sticky":41,"template":64,"format":65,"meta":419,"categories":420,"tags":422,"project_category":438,"contact_email_category":442,"yst_prominent_words":443,"class_list":450,"better_featured_image":471,"acf":505,"yoast_meta":518,"_links":521},16513,"2025-06-21T12:40:21","2025-06-21T10:40:21",{"rendered":407},"http:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?p=16513","2025-06-21T12:40:22","2025-06-21T10:40:22","future-of-vision-and-eye-care","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Ffuture-of-vision-and-eye-care",{"rendered":413},"The Future Of Vision And Eye Care",{"rendered":415,"protected":16},"\n\u003Cp>3D printed digital contact lenses, bionic eye implants, augmented reality: the future of vision and eye care is full of science fiction-sounding innovations. Here is where digital health will take ophthalmology in the future!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>More than 80 percent of perception comes through vision\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Researchers estimate that 80-85 percent of our perception, learning, cognition, and activities are mediated through vision. Compared to that, our hearing only processes 11 percent of information, while smell 3.5 percent, touch 1.5 percent and taste 1 percent. Don’t you think that’s possible? Renowned scholars, \u003Ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.amazon.com\u002FSee-What-Im-Saying-Extraordinary\u002Fdp\u002F0393067602\" target=\"_blank\">L.D. Rosenblum\u003C\u002Fa>, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbooks.google.hu\u002Fbooks?id=u347r70CKYAC&pg=PR19&lpg=PR19&dq=Stolovitch+Keeps+vision&source=bl&ots=GUVTZ4hs9e&sig=xDjvt4DIQYDEzTyliKteS3nngX0&hl=hu&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjXsIe89ovXAhWKZVAKHV1ACI0Q6AEIXTAI#v=onepage&q=Stolovitch%20Keeps%20vision&f=false\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Harold Stolovitch and Erica Keeps\u003C\u002Fa> explained these numbers with the following, rather convincing story.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Imagine you are in an open field, the sun shines on you, with the bees humming softly in the air. How far can you see and hear? When it comes to vision, it’s around 50 miles, talking about hearing, it’s only 1-2 miles at best! What about the smell of the flowers? Without the wind blowing, only 10-20 metres. How about touching or tasting? Well, it depends on your arm’s length, but obviously not further than that. And the same goes for your tongue and tasting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>It is almost a cliché to emphasise the importance of the eyes and vision, but it’s a luminous example to illustrate how the eyes are our most important sensory organ. Hence, if you catch an eye disease or have to face a serious eye condition, you feel very motivated to get better immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fvision-eye.jpg\" alt=\"Future of Vision\" class=\"wp-image-16516\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fvision-eye.jpg 640w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fvision-eye-370x208.jpg 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fvision-eye-512x288.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fvision-eye-444x250.jpg 444w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Eye conditions affect way too many people worldwide\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.iapb.org\u002Flearn\u002Fvision-atlas\u002Fmagnitude-and-projections\u002Fglobal\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">latest figures\u003C\u002Fa> from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness estimate that 43 million people are blind, and 295 million people suffer from moderate or severe distance vision impairment. Globally 1.1 billion people were living with vision loss in 2020, and it is forecasted to reach 1.7 billion without serious interventions and investments by 2050. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"413\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002FVision-loss-1990-2050-768x413.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44343\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002FVision-loss-1990-2050-768x413.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002FVision-loss-1990-2050-1536x826.jpg 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002FVision-loss-1990-2050.jpg 1608w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Data source: the Vision Loss Expert Group\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Some of the necessary investments and improvements will arrive from the digital health field, progress in technology, for example in surgical techniques and  treating eye infections.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Yet, digital health still has a lot to do for lessening plenty of suffering which comes from not being able to see the world clearly. In the last couple of years, it actually started to undertake the task to transform the field of ophthalmology, offering its innovative solutions for the broadest spectrum of eye conditions. Treating less serious ailments gets faster, more targeted and more efficient, while the means for curing more serious and life-altering illnesses improve. Here, I outlined the way technology delineates the future of eye care and vision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Most pioneers did not do great in the long term\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Disruptive technologies gave a huge boost to the creative minds of ophthalmology. Types of conditions causing blindness, such as AMD or retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited eye condition causing loss of sight gradually and causing blindness for an estimated 1.5 million people worldwide, have been treated successfully with mind-blowing innovations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The California-based firm, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.secondsight.com\u002Fmission-en.html\" target=\"_blank\">Second Sight\u003C\u002Fa>, the German company, Retina Implant AG, and the French venture, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.pixium-vision.com\u002Fen\" target=\"_blank\">Pixium Vision\u003C\u002Fa> were the forerunners of the field, developing implantable visual prosthetics to restore vision to patients who are blind as a result of the rare condition of retinitis pigmentosa. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In 2016, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theguardian.com\u002Fsociety\u002F2016\u002Fjan\u002F05\u002Fwoman-bionic-eye-joy-reading-clock-rhian-lewis\" target=\"_blank\">The Guardian reported\u003C\u002Fa> that a blind woman suffering from this disease was fitted with the implant labelled “bionic eye” in the UK as part of a trial at the Oxford Eye Hospital. She spoke of her joy after being able to tell the time for the first time in more than six years. That must have been truly amazing!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"489\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fbionic-eye.jpg\" alt=\"Future of Vision\" class=\"wp-image-16517\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fbionic-eye.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fbionic-eye-370x208.jpg 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fbionic-eye-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fbionic-eye-512x288.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fbionic-eye-444x250.jpg 444w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In 2015, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.bbc.com\u002Fnews\u002Fhealth-33571412\" target=\"_blank\">surgeons in Manchester, UK have performed the first bionic eye implant\u003C\u002Fa> for an AMD patient using Second Sight’s innovation. The 80-year-old Ray Flynn lost his central vision entirely, but with the help of the retinal implant, he could make out shapes on the computer screen. Researchers say that the implant cannot provide any highly detailed vision – but it can help patients detect distinct patterns such as door frames and shapes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>However, things are moving fast, and success doesn’t come easy for the pioneers of any medical field. In the past few years, Retina Implant AG \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bioregio-stern.de\u002Fen\u002Fnews\u002Fretina-implant-ag-discontinues-business-activities\" target=\"_blank\">decided to shut down\u003C\u002Fa> its business activities, while \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fspectrum.ieee.org\u002Fbionic-eye-obsolete\" target=\"_blank\">Second Sight has stopped offering support for its Argus I and II retinal implant systems\u003C\u002Fa>, leaving 350+ blind people around the world with Second Sight’s implants in their eyes in complete uncertainty, and a vast number of potential medical complications should anything go wrong with their implants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Developing bionic eyes with fractal-patterned electrodes for reversing blindness\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>We have seen fascinating developments as well. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>University of Oregon researchers have grown rodent retinal neurons on a fractal-patterned electrode, a form mimicking the repeating branching pattern in which neurons naturally grow, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.futurity.org\u002Fbionic-eye-fractal-neurons-2723572\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cu>Futurity reported\u003C\u002Fu>\u003C\u002Fa>. It’s a step closer to making a bio-inspired bionic eye. The team, led by physicist Richard Taylor, hope their electrodes can someday be implanted in human eyes to restore lost vision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The paper, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fjournals.plos.org\u002Fplosone\u002Farticle?id=10.1371\u002Fjournal.pone.0265685#pone-0265685-g002\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cu>recently published in PLOS\u003C\u002Fu>\u003C\u002Fa>, summarises three years of data. The new work provides experimental evidence supporting a hunch the team has been pursuing for years, that neurons, which themselves are fractals, will connect better to a fractal-patterned electrode than they do to more traditionally shaped electrodes, allowing better signal transmission between the implant and the brain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>To successfully send signals to the brain or the eye, an implanted electrode needs to be able to connect to a network of existing neurons. Neurons naturally grow in a tree-like fractal pattern, leading to ever-finer branches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Taylor thought why not coax the neurons to connect to an electrode in a pattern that fits their tendency? Then, they tracked how mouse retinal neurons grew on the chips, using cells cultured in a petri dish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Neurons attached more prevalently to the textured fractal branches than to the smooth gaps between the branches, the experiment showed. And glia, important support cells for neurons, are packed tightly into the smooth gaps. The fractal design was the most effective at this ‘herding’ of neurons and glia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The work is still early-stage, Taylor emphasises. Running trials in animals will take additional engineering and safety tests. But eventually, the researchers hope their design will turn into a real-world device that can help people with vision loss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Brain implants and artificial retina instead of bionic eyes?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Instead of “bionic eyes” that stimulate brain cells with lights coming from a tiny video camera or stimulate the visual cortex directly through electrodes, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sciencealert.com\u002Fscientists-have-created-an-artificial-retina-implant-that-could-restore-vision-to-millions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the Italian Institute of Technology has developed a new approach\u003C\u002Fa> for treating retinal degeneration, with a prosthesis implanted into the eye that serves as a working replacement for a damaged retina – basically an artificial retina. Their research showed promising results for lab rats, and they plan to carry out the first human trials in the second half of 2017 and gather preliminary results during 2018.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"621\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fartificial-retina.jpg\" alt=\"future of vision\" class=\"wp-image-16518\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fartificial-retina.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fartificial-retina-768x548.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fartificial-retina-512x365.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fartificial-retina-350x250.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmed.stanford.edu\u002Fartificial-retina\u002Fresearch.html\" target=\"_blank\">Stanford Artificial Retina Project\u003C\u002Fa> shows great promises. The project’s main focus is on ganglion cells, the output neurons of the retina, which largely survive the retinal degeneration process. Ganglion cells generate visual representations of light inputs and transmit these encoded representations toward specific target areas in the brain. By first learning how patterns of activity in many ganglion cells represent a visual scene, they can mimic the neural retinal code using their artificial implant. If they accurately reproduce the retinal code, the brain can accurately perceive the visual image.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The unique feature of the Stanford research is that instead of using large electrodes – employed in other projects -, the team proposes using 10 μm variant electrodes that can excite a small number of cells in the epiretinal region of the eye. The aim is not to “confuse” the brain’s signals with activating cell clusters in aggregate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) researchers have taken a distinctly divergent path from the previous research candidates and \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nature.com\u002Farticles\u002Fs41586-020-2285-x\" target=\"_blank\">generated an artificial bionic eye composed of analogous elements to a real eye\u003C\u002Fa>. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The journal \u003Cem>Nature\u003C\u002Fem> provided a commentary report on HKUST’s research into the bionic eye. The study indicated that \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nature.com\u002Farticles\u002Fd41586-020-01420-7\" target=\"_blank\">this eye has a comparable photoreceptor sensitivity response to the human eye\u003C\u002Fa>. This sensitivity is principally due to the novel use of perovskite materials, which have favourable properties in the next generation of optoelectronic signals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>The miraculous CRISPR and other gene therapies for regaining vision\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>CRISPR-Cas9 or as used in plain language, CRISPR, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fcrispr\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">the breakthrough gene-editing method, \u003C\u002Fa>has already shown its potential future use in eye care. Experts even say the eye is an ideal place to start for the first clinical use of CRISPR. Compared to other parts of the body, the eye is easy to access for surgery, readily accepts new tissue and can be noninvasively monitored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Scientists at Columbia University Medical Center and the University of Iowa \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.forbes.com\u002Fsites\u002Femilymullin\u002F2016\u002F01\u002F29\u002Fcrispr-used-to-repair-blindness-causing-gene-defect\u002F#7fdf2715f46a\" target=\"_blank\">used CRISPR to repair a genetic mutation responsible for retinitis pigmentosa\u003C\u002Fa> in induced pluripotent stem cells derived from a patient with the disease. The team reported a 13 percent success rate at converting the mutated gene variant into the normal one, which is way \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.nature.com\u002Fnbt\u002Fjournal\u002Fv33\u002Fn5\u002Ffull\u002Fnbt.3198.html\" target=\"_blank\">better than previous studies\u003C\u002Fa>. In February 2017, experts at the Center for Genome Engineering, within the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sciencedaily.com\u002Freleases\u002F2017\u002F02\u002F170216133252.htm\" target=\"_blank\">reported the use of CRISPR in performing “gene surgery” in the layer of tissue that supports the retina of living mice\u003C\u002Fa>. After the intervention, the mice showed signs of improvement from AMD. It is a ground-breaking experiment suggesting that CRISPR can not only be used to correct mutations causing hereditary diseases but also in the case of non-hereditary degenerative diseases.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Beyond CRISPR, other gene therapies also have a great chance to become a common treatment method for specific eye conditions in the future. In early October 2017, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fedition.cnn.com\u002F2017\u002F10\u002F12\u002Fhealth\u002Ffda-gene-therapy-blindness-vote\u002Findex.html\" target=\"_blank\">the FDA’s advisory panel approved a gene therapy called Luxturna\u003C\u002Fa>, which targets a rare condition called Leber congenital amaurosis. Thus, the treatment method got one step closer to full FDA approval. The agency will make its final decision by next January. If the verdict is positive, this gene therapy will be the first approved treatment in the US to correct an inherited genetic trait – but it might be followed very soon by much more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>And \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.npr.org\u002Fsections\u002Fhealth-shots\u002F2021\u002F09\u002F29\u002F1040879179\u002Fvision-loss-crispr-treatment?t=1651830489871\" target=\"_blank\">the latest CRISPR breakthrough\u003C\u002Fa> is also connected to Leber congenital amaurosis. The team of Dr. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ohsu.edu\u002Fpeople\u002Fmark-pennesi-md-phd\">Mark Pennesi,\u003C\u002Fa> professor of ophthalmology at the Casey Eye Institute at the Oregon Health & Science University carried out a project in which they injected CRISPR directly into cells that are still in patients’ bodies. This was the first time researchers worked with CRISPR this way. Earlier experiments had removed cells from patients’ bodies, edited them in the lab and then infused the modified cells back into the patients.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"489\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fcrispr.jpg\" alt=\"Future of Vision\" class=\"wp-image-16519\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fcrispr.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fcrispr-370x208.jpg 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fcrispr-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fcrispr-512x288.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fcrispr-445x250.jpg 445w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Eye care patients will also become the point of care\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>With the advancement of smartphones and other smart gadgets at lightning speed, it is only a matter of time before portable devices will appear on a large scale in ophthalmology as well. The tiny, well-designed and connected instruments and the accompanying apps make it possible to undertake eye examinations anywhere in the world – making patients the point of care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>For example, Peek Retina is the flagship product of \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.peekvision.org\u002Fabout-us\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Peek Vision\u003C\u002Fa>, a UK-based company and foundation, a portable ophthalmoscope that enables you to view and capture retinal images on your smartphone wherever you are. The venture also offers smartphone-based vision eye tests, e.g. for measuring visual acuity. It greatly helps physicians in remote areas such as Sub-Saharan Africa diagnose and treat patients.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The MIT-spinout company, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Feyenetra.com\u002F\">EyeNetra\u003C\u002Fa> developed a diagnostic device for signalling refractive errors fast and accurately. The device, called Netra, is a plastic, binocular-like headset to be used with an app which calculates the difference between what the user indicates as “aligned” and the actual alignment of various patterns. This signals any refractive errors, such as near-sightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The app then displays the refractive powers, the axis of astigmatism, and the pupillary distance required for eyeglasses prescriptions. EyeNetra will make school or workplace eye examinations in the future a lot easier than today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone wp-image-16520 size-full is-style-default\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"489\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fpeek-vision.jpg\" alt=\"Future of Vision\" class=\"wp-image-16520\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fpeek-vision.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fpeek-vision-370x208.jpg 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fpeek-vision-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fpeek-vision-512x288.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fpeek-vision-444x250.jpg 444w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo credit: Rolex\u002FJoan Bardeletti\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The Newark-based \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.eyeque.com\u002Fblog\u002Fwhy-eyeque-the-technology-behind-the-products\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EyeQue has an MIT patented technology\u003C\u002Fa> based on instruments and charts used in vision testing for years. They offer two products enabling low-cost and accessible eye tests for everyone. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.eyeque.com\u002Fpvt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Personal Vision Tracker\u003C\u002Fa> measures an individual’s refractive status, including near-or-farsightedness and astigmatism, while the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.eyeque.com\u002Finsight\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EyeQue Insight\u003C\u002Fa> determines visual acuity or the sharpness of vision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Are 3D printed and digital contact lenses the future?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Digital contact lenses sound like science fiction: the translucent layer on your eye transmitting special information about your body to an outside device. Yet, it might be a reality soon. For example, Google teamed up with Novartis \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F2016\u002F04\u002F07\u002Fgoogles-amazing-digital-contact-lens-can-transform-diabetes-care\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">to produce digital, multi-sensor contact lenses\u003C\u002Fa> which are designed to be able to measure blood sugar levels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Google and Novartis said the lens would contain a tiny and ultra slim microchip that would be embedded in one of its thin concave sides. Through its equally tiny antenna, it would send data about the glucose measurements from the user’s tears to his or her paired smartphone via installed software. Originally, the companies promised to put the digital contact lens on the market around 2020. However, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.fiercebiotech.com\u002Fr-d\u002Fnovartis-chairman-google-smart-lens-a-high-risk-project\" target=\"_blank\">in March 2017 Novartis Chairman Joerg Reinhardt talked down the chances of the project\u003C\u002Fa> bringing visible results in the next couple of years. I truly hope this is just a temporary setback.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.newsweek.com\u002Fscientists-3d-print-contact-lens-built-led-287905\" target=\"_blank\">researchers at the University of Washington have created a contact lens with an LED display built into it\u003C\u002Fa> – with the help of a 3D printer! While it is really difficult to manufacture a contact lens, which is one-third of a millimetre in diameter, a 3D printer sandwiches together different layers of interacting material, which makes it easier to match tiny pieces. While it was only an experiment, the research has important implications to improve the display technology of small devices. Maybe Google will 3D print the next generation of digital contact lenses, who knows?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"440\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F04\u002Fdigital-contact-lenses.png\" alt=\"Digital Contact Lenses - Overhyped Technologies\" class=\"wp-image-13628\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F04\u002Fdigital-contact-lenses.png 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F04\u002Fdigital-contact-lenses-768x388.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F04\u002Fdigital-contact-lenses-512x259.png 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F04\u002Fdigital-contact-lenses-458x231.png 458w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Healing the eye faster \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Innovation in regenerative medicine is flourishing: dentistry, dermatology, and ophthalmology. A few specialties which can take pride in healing injured or diseased body parts faster and in a more efficient way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>For example, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.aao.org\u002Fnewsroom\u002Fnews-releases\u002Fdetail\u002Fregenerative-medicine-speeds-healing-of-eye-tissue\" target=\"_blank\">researchers in Turkey developed a regenerative medicine that can heal the front of the eye in as little as two days after surgery\u003C\u002Fa>. The drug called Cacicol stimulates faster tissue repair, and appears to relieve eye pain, burning, and light sensitivity following an invasive intervention. Scientists treated patients suffering from a rare disease called keratoconus who went through a surgery known as corneal cross-linking with Cacicol. The drug helped decrease the initial healing from 5 days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Artificial Intelligence for detecting eye conditions in time \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Image recognition algorithms have the capacity to transform diagnostics based on medical imaging. In 2016, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.technologyreview.com\u002Fs\u002F602958\u002Fan-ai-ophthalmologist-shows-how-machine-learning-may-transform-medicine\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">Google developed an eye-scanning technique for looking at retinal images and detecting diabetic retinopathy\u003C\u002Fa> as well as a trained ophthalmologist. The disease is quite common among diabetes patients, and if it is not spotted early enough, it may cause blindness. The machine-learning algorithm uses Google’s method for labelling millions of Web images as it examines photos of a patient’s retina to spot tiny aneurysms indicating the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. A year later, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.wired.com\u002F2017\u002F06\u002Fgoogles-ai-eye-doctor-gets-ready-go-work-india\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">the search giant announced they have begun working on integrating the technology into a chain of eye hospitals in India\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"393\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fgoogle-diabetic-retinopathy.png\" alt=\"Future of Vision\" class=\"wp-image-16521\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fgoogle-diabetic-retinopathy.png 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fgoogle-diabetic-retinopathy-768x347.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fgoogle-diabetic-retinopathy-512x231.png 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Fgoogle-diabetic-retinopathy-458x207.png 458w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Google is not the only one working on A.I. solutions for eye care, though. A teenage girl from India, whose grandfather in India was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sciencealert.com\u002Fthis-teenage-girl-invented-a-brilliant-ai-based-app-that-can-quickly-diagnose-eye-disease\" target=\"_blank\">developed a smartphone app that can screen for the disease\u003C\u002Fa> with the help of a specially trained artificial intelligence program and a simple 3D-printed lens attachment. A truly disruptive innovation: smart, cheap and potentially life-changing!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>A fresh study, published in April 2022 in the Lancet found that a deep-learning algorithm was able to detect vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy with an accuracy of 94.7%, sensitivity of 91.4% and specificity of 95.4%. This was compared to the retina specialist over-readers who performed with an accuracy of 93.5%, a sensitivity of 84.8% and a specificity of 95.5%.  \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Eye conditions through augmented reality\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Patient education is key in prevention and it also gives the best chance for physicians to arrive at the most accurate diagnosis based on their patients’ explanation of their symptoms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The use of \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.imedicalapps.com\u002F2013\u002F07\u002Fmedical-app-augmented-reality-patient-education\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Orca Health’s EyeDecide\u003C\u002Fa> could bring exactly this result. The innovative, Utah-based mobile software company’s medical app uses an augmented reality camera display for simulating the impact of specific conditions on a person’s vision. EyeDecide can fully demonstrate the consequences of cataract or AMD and thus help patients understand their actual medical state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"489\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Feyedecide.jpg\" alt=\"Future of Vision\" class=\"wp-image-16522\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Feyedecide.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Feyedecide-370x208.jpg 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Feyedecide-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Feyedecide-512x288.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002Feyedecide-444x250.jpg 444w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Cyborgization is upon us?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>I’m hopeful that eye conditions, visual impairment, and blindness will be entirely treatable in the future, even if that would mean a replacing the eye with a bionic device or replacing the natural process of vision with a brain-computer interface. I believe the biggest ethical challenge of eye implants or devices replacing visual functions could be that they might facilitate cyborgization.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>What if healthy people would like to live as \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-worlds-most-famous-real-life-cyborgs\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Neil Harbisson\u003C\u002Fa>? As someone whose vision is extended through an external technology? What if the average user will ask for bionic eyes as it does not get tired, you can zoom with it, browse and search online, even take photos that no one else could see?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Neil Harbisson is actually an artist born with achromatopsia or extreme colorblindness meaning he could only see in black-and-white. Harbisson received a specialised electronic eye, his “eyeborg” to be able to render perceived colours as sounds on the musical scale. He is capable of experiencing colours beyond the scope of normal human perception: \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theguardian.com\u002Fartanddesign\u002F2014\u002Fmay\u002F06\u002Fneil-harbisson-worlds-first-cyborg-artist\" target=\"_blank\">Amy Winehouse is red and pink, while ringtones are green\u003C\u002Fa>. In his view, cyborgization might start with a third eye on the back of the head or an implanted sensor indicating whether there is a car behind you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"544\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2015\u002F05\u002Fa-color-blind-artist-neil-harbisson-wears-an-antenna-that-allows-him-to-“hear”-color-through-vibrations-in-his-skull.jpg\" alt=\"Neil Harbisson - Top Cyborgs\" class=\"wp-image-15869\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2015\u002F05\u002Fa-color-blind-artist-neil-harbisson-wears-an-antenna-that-allows-him-to-“hear”-color-through-vibrations-in-his-skull.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2015\u002F05\u002Fa-color-blind-artist-neil-harbisson-wears-an-antenna-that-allows-him-to-“hear”-color-through-vibrations-in-his-skull-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2015\u002F05\u002Fa-color-blind-artist-neil-harbisson-wears-an-antenna-that-allows-him-to-“hear”-color-through-vibrations-in-his-skull-512x320.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2015\u002F05\u002Fa-color-blind-artist-neil-harbisson-wears-an-antenna-that-allows-him-to-“hear”-color-through-vibrations-in-his-skull-400x250.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>If you are entirely freaked out by now, I have to tell you, we are rather far from implanting third eyes into people. However, we have to start to contemplate about the possibilities of such scenarios as we will arrive at the boundaries of privacy, ethics – and the ultimate merging of the human body with technology. We have to be ready for that!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Learn more about the technological future of medical specialties from \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fleanpub.com\u002Ffuture-of-medical-specialties\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">our latest e-book\u003C\u002Fa>!\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F05\u002F2022_tech_giants_ebook-cover-768x432.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43839\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F05\u002F2022_tech_giants_ebook-cover-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F05\u002F2022_tech_giants_ebook-cover-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F05\u002F2022_tech_giants_ebook-cover-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F05\u002F2022_tech_giants_ebook-cover-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F05\u002F2022_tech_giants_ebook-cover.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n",{"rendered":417,"protected":16},"\u003Cp>From bionic eyes to artificial retinas, CRISPR to deep learning algorithms, this is a buzzing field of research with revolutionary promises, potentially affecting the lives of a billion people. \u003C\u002Fp>\n",44481,{"_acf_changed":16,"footnotes":64},[5,421],506,[423,424,75,425,426,427,428,429,430,431,432,433,434,435,436,437],134,425,447,203,206,207,752,246,753,269,271,275,289,130,355,[439,80,440,441],948,951,953,[],[444,445,446,447,448,449],1631,4403,4837,4847,4891,1617,[451,53,91,92,93,94,95,97,452,453,454,103,455,456,457,458,459,460,461,462,463,464,465,466,467,468,107,469,470],"post-16513","category-cyborgization","tag-ai","tag-technology-2","tag-vision","tag-diabetes","tag-digital","tag-digital-health","tag-eye-care","tag-future","tag-ophthalmology","tag-guide","tag-health","tag-healthcare","tag-innovation","tag-3d-printing-2","tag-personalized-medicine","project_category-developers","project_category-patients","project_category-researchers",{"id":418,"alt_text":64,"caption":64,"description":472,"media_type":110,"media_details":473,"post":403,"source_url":504},"eye vision sight TMF retinopathy blindness",{"width":474,"height":475,"file":476,"sizes":477,"image_meta":503},1920,1080,"2017\u002F10\u002FThe-future-of-vision-TMF.png",{"medium":478,"large":483,"thumbnail":488,"medium_large":492,"1536x1536":493,"2048x2048":498},{"file":479,"width":480,"height":481,"mime-type":121,"source_url":482},"The-future-of-vision-TMF-370x208.png","370","208","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002FThe-future-of-vision-TMF-370x208.png",{"file":484,"width":485,"height":486,"mime-type":121,"source_url":487},"The-future-of-vision-TMF-768x432.png","768","432","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002FThe-future-of-vision-TMF-768x432.png",{"file":489,"width":490,"height":490,"mime-type":121,"source_url":491},"The-future-of-vision-TMF-150x150.png","150","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002FThe-future-of-vision-TMF-150x150.png",{"file":484,"width":485,"height":486,"mime-type":121,"source_url":487},{"file":494,"width":495,"height":496,"mime-type":121,"source_url":497},"The-future-of-vision-TMF-1536x864.png","1536","864","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002FThe-future-of-vision-TMF-1536x864.png",{"file":499,"width":500,"height":501,"mime-type":121,"source_url":502},"The-future-of-vision-TMF-2048x1152.png","2048","1152","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002FThe-future-of-vision-TMF-2048x1152.png",{"aperture":143,"credit":64,"camera":64,"caption":64,"created_timestamp":143,"copyright":64,"focal_length":143,"iso":143,"shutter_speed":143,"title":64,"orientation":143},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F10\u002FThe-future-of-vision-TMF.png",{"related_posts":16,"related_posts_footer":506,"cta_type":147,"cta_color":64,"subtitle":64,"related_books":510,"key_takeaways":513},[507,508,509],17653,16762,13095,[150,511,512],24762,37033,[514,516],{"title":515},"\u003Cp>Eye care is an important field for the use of advanced technologies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":517},"\u003Cp>From 3D printing, to apps and even CRISPR genome editing, there are many examples that help better see how eye care can take advantage of the technological revolution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"yoast_wpseo_title":519,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":520,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":411},"The Future Of Vision And Eye Care - The Medical Futurist","The future of vision and eye care are full of science fiction-sounding innovations. The Medical Futurist shows the best technologies changing ophthalmology.",{"self":522,"collection":527,"about":529,"author":531,"replies":533,"version-history":536,"predecessor-version":540,"wp:featuredmedia":544,"wp:attachment":547,"wp:term":550,"curies":561},[523],{"href":524,"targetHints":525},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F16513",{"allow":526},[27],[528],{"href":171},[530],{"href":174},[532],{"embeddable":41,"href":372},[534],{"embeddable":41,"href":535},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=16513",[537],{"count":538,"href":539},43,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F16513\u002Frevisions",[541],{"id":542,"href":543},58877,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F16513\u002Frevisions\u002F58877",[545],{"embeddable":41,"href":546},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F44481",[548],{"href":549},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=16513",[551,553,555,557,559],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":41,"href":552},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=16513",{"taxonomy":199,"embeddable":41,"href":554},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=16513",{"taxonomy":202,"embeddable":41,"href":556},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=16513",{"taxonomy":205,"embeddable":41,"href":558},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=16513",{"taxonomy":208,"embeddable":41,"href":560},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=16513",[562],{"name":39,"href":40,"templated":41},{"id":564,"date":565,"date_gmt":566,"guid":567,"modified":569,"modified_gmt":570,"slug":571,"status":52,"type":53,"link":572,"title":573,"content":575,"excerpt":577,"author":61,"featured_media":579,"comment_status":63,"ping_status":63,"sticky":41,"template":64,"format":65,"meta":580,"categories":581,"tags":585,"project_category":586,"contact_email_category":587,"yst_prominent_words":588,"class_list":594,"better_featured_image":599,"acf":623,"yoast_meta":629,"_links":631},58097,"2024-10-31T11:16:07","2024-10-31T10:16:07",{"rendered":568},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=58097&_wpnonce=7798ca0ee9&status=auto-draft&type=post","2024-10-31T11:16:08","2024-10-31T10:16:08","10-promising-advanced-healthcare-technologies-in-practice","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F10-promising-advanced-healthcare-technologies-in-practice",{"rendered":574},"10 Promising Advanced Healthcare Technologies In Practice",{"rendered":576,"protected":16},"\n\u003Cp>As futurists, we have constantly been exploring \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-need-for-medical-futures-studies-our-benchmark-study\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">what the future of healthcare holds\u003C\u002Fa> for medical professionals and patients alike for years. With the rate of technological development, what were promising concepts a couple of years ago are now real options in healthcare practice. In this article, we share a collection of 10 advanced healthcare technologies that are ready to be used in practice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>1. Wearable ultrasound: handy, portable diagnosis\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Back in 2018, we reviewed two portable ultrasounds, namely \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fwireless-and-scanning-the-clarius-portable-ultrasound-review\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the Clarius\u003C\u002Fa> and the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthreshold-of-a-new-era-in-diagnostics-philips-lumify-portable-ultrasound-review\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Philips Lumify\u003C\u002Fa>. Since then, the technology has progressed further to make them smaller and more portable. This has resulted in a wearable ultrasound system, developed by startup \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sonologi.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sonologi\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Sonologi Ultrasound Patch testing\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FXlN2AnWfUsM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Their technology provides automated, hands-free, continuous ultrasound imaging technology in real-time. The wearable, along with AI-powered analytics, provides clinicians with actionable insights to aid decision-making and improve patient outcomes. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>With such a device, patients can wear it while medical professionals view the imaging as it happens, and the AI software compensates for movement to maintain image stability. This can allow better and real-time assessments of cardiovascular health and heart conditions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>2. Assistive exoskeletons: reduce fatigue and injury risks \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>For years, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fgermanbionic.com\u002Fen\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">German Bionic\u003C\u002Fa> has produced \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fexoskeleton-technology\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">exoskeleton suits\u003C\u002Fa> to aid manual workers in carrying heavy weights, especially in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and logistics. The company is now expanding its expertise to the healthcare sector with the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fgermanbionic.com\u002Fen\u002Fapogeeplus\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apogee+ power suit\u003C\u002Fa>. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This exoskeleton provides healthcare professionals with mechanical support to assist them in their day-to-day work on the ward. For example, it can aid them in lifting patients from beds and wheelchairs and can provide relief when working in unergonomic postures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Insights to joint research project: Cray X at Berlin’s renowned Charité hospital\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002F15iZPRdvF3Y?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>“Our improved Apogee+ exoskeleton brings together strength and intelligence in ways that directly benefit healthcare professionals,” \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.med-technews.com\u002Fnews\u002Fmedical-device-news\u002Fgerman-bionic-launches-apogee-power-suit-exoskeleton-to-help-frontline-healthcare-workers\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">said Armin Schmidt\u003C\u002Fa>, CEO of German Bionic. “As the healthcare sector faces growing challenges with staff shortages and physical demands, the Apogee+ is a timely solution that improves worker safety, operational efficiency, and overall well-being. We are excited to support those on the frontlines of healthcare with technology that truly makes a difference.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>3. Virtual reality in the intensive care unit: helping patients feel better \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Virtual reality (VR) has found successful applications in \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F5-ways-medical-vr-is-changing-healthcare\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">various medical domains\u003C\u002Fa>; and it is also proving beneficial in the intensive care unit (ICU).  The technology can help patients better manage the trauma of waking up in an ICU, help their recovery, or even help young patients to visit magical worlds while staying at the hospital. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Doctors Using Virtual Reality to Relieve Patients' Pain and More\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FKR3lmLZCBvc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>For example, the UF Health Shands Hospital in Florida has \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.wuft.org\u002Fhealthscience\u002F2019-10-18\u002Fvirtual-reality-dreams-helps-patients-cope-in-icu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">used VR headsets and noise-cancelling headphones\u003C\u002Fa> to virtually transport ICU patients to remote beaches and hillsides. Researchers in The Netherlands \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fhealthcare-in-europe.com\u002Fen\u002Fnews\u002Fvr-glasses-could-ease-trauma-of-waking-up-in-an-icu.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">have also employed the technology\u003C\u002Fa> to walk patients through their current environment and how things work in an ICU. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>4. Mixed reality in the operating room: interactive medical scans\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Mixed reality (MR) headsets offer science fiction-esque experiences by superimposing virtual, interactive elements onto the physical environment. This technology has practical applications in healthcare and can be useful in the operating room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fapoqlar.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">apoQlar medical\u003C\u002Fa> has developed MR applications for surgeons, medical students and patients alike for years. Their VSI HoloMedicine software has been designed for surgical planning. It allows surgeons to interact with data from medical scans and real-life images of the patient. By transforming 2D scans into 3D holograms, the MR software helps surgeons better understand and interpret individual patient cases.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"VSI HoloMedicine® in practice\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002Fb12HLIdUrxU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>5. Robots in lungs: safer lung biopsies\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Lung biopsies are crucial procedures for the assessment of lung nodules and for informing preventative measures in case lung cancer is diagnosed. Traditionally, such procedures would be undertaken from the outside but the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.linkedin.com\u002Ffeed\u002Fupdate\u002Furn:li:activity:7203711960276725760\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">risk of causing lung collapse\u003C\u002Fa> can deter them from being carried out. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Nowadays, we have the option to perform robot-assisted bronchoscopy to minimise the risk. With the help of a robot arm, physicians can take biopsies from inside the lungs rather than outside. The Cleveland Clinic Florida has been \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fconsultqd.clevelandclinic.org\u002Frobotic-assisted-bronchoscopy-changing-diagnostic-landscape\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">using such a system\u003C\u002Fa>. This approach has been associated with fewer complications and improved diagnosis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy Changing Diagnostic Landscape\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FyWpdI_dHhVA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>6. Robots in rehab: human-machine collaboration\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Robots have inspired countless creative endeavours in the entertainment industry and their usefulness \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fmedical-robots\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">extends to the healthcare sector\u003C\u002Fa>. Take for example Robert from \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.lifescience-robotics.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Life Science Robotics\u003C\u002Fa>, which the company terms as a co-therapist for physical rehabilitation of patients. By attaching the robot’s arm to the patients’ arm or leg, it helps move the joints and muscles according to a healthcare professional’s instructions. Robert memorises that instructed motion and can perform it independently as required.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"ROBERT® - Only 3 min. setup time\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FFBewGIbLALs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Such functional training is key to the healing journey of the patient and to avoid complications. By automating it, the heavy workload for the therapists is significantly reduced. Such a collaboration means that robots are not replacing professionals but are enhancing their work while improving patients’ well-being.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>7. 3D printed anatomical models: from medical education to preoperative planning assistance\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Access to anatomical models is crucial for medical training and preoperative planning alike. For medical students, access to such models are often limited to teaching hours. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fdash-orlando.com\u002Fservices\u002Fanatomical-models\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Digital Anatomy Simulations for Healthcare, LLC\u003C\u002Fa> (or DASH) addresses this need by 3D printing accurate and realistic anatomical models.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\u002F\u002Fyoutu.be\u002FwtTbAgaAfmk?si=z_X7NFhH66BoZL6W\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>DASH prints a range of models from dental components to skulls that can assist surgeons in preoperative planning. Moreover, those models can also be used for patient education before they undergo a procedure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>8. Teledentistry: increasing access to dental care\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-amazing-future-of-dentistry-and-oral-health\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Teledentisty\u003C\u002Fa> enables dental care access remotely; thereby making the patients the point of care. This can increase dental care access for patients with special needs or the elderly in nursing homes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fdentalmonitoring.com\u002Fdental-monitoring\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DentalMonitoring\u003C\u002Fa> offers remote oral observations through their AI-powered platform. Patients can take and send images with the company’s ScanBox app. These images are then analysed by an AI algorithm and sorts them for the dentist to consult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"DentalMonitoring Explainer for Patients\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FuV-9_GNIcbk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>9. Mixed reality in medical education: enhanced training\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Another MR application in healthcare is in medical education. By displaying virtual holograms at will with a headset, the technology can ease the process of learning complex and challenging subjects such as anatomy or pathology. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.animares.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ANIMA RES\u003C\u002Fa> has created MR models of human organs that can be viewed with an MR headset or even a phone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Insight Series - for Enterprise\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002Ffzv-iqUd21g?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>While the technology is promising, the cost remains a barrier. MR headsets remain costly that only medical schools with adequate resources can afford. Nevertheless, ANIMA RES does offer some of its models for free that can be viewed from a smartphone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>10. Customised 3D-printed splints: a personal fit\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Long-term splints are often worn during physical therapy or even for chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. However, the traditional ones might not be the most comfortable or offer a good fit. This can be an issue for patients if they need to wear them for extended periods of time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Dutch company \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.manometric.nl\u002Fen\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Manometric\u003C\u002Fa> offers customised, 3D-printed hand braces and splints. By first scanning the patient’s hand, the company can create a personalised splint within a few weeks. The custom product promises to be more comfortable and impedes less on daily activities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Day in the life of a Manometric technician! ⚡\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FMf6rPH4CFOc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>We hope that you have found this collection to be insightful. Are there any other advanced healthcare technologies that you have seen in practice and are not featured in this article? If so, do share them with us!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>Written by Dr. Bertalan Meskó & Dr. Pranavsingh Dhunnoo\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":578,"protected":16},"\u003Cp>As futurists, we have constantly been exploring what the future of healthcare holds for medical professionals and patients alike for years. With the rate of […]\u003C\u002Fp>\n",25448,{"_acf_changed":16,"footnotes":64},[68,582,5,583,584,69],498,521,512,[],[],[],[589,590,88,591,444,238,592,593,336],1735,1739,3217,1709,1719,[595,53,91,92,93,94,95,96,596,97,597,598,98],"post-58097","category-3d-printing","category-future-medicine","category-robotics",{"id":579,"alt_text":600,"caption":64,"description":64,"media_type":110,"media_details":601,"post":621,"source_url":622},"Top medical technologies",{"width":474,"height":475,"file":602,"sizes":603,"image_meta":620},"2019\u002F11\u002Ftop-technologies.png",{"medium":604,"large":607,"thumbnail":610,"medium_large":613,"1536x1536":614,"2048x2048":617},{"file":605,"width":480,"height":481,"mime-type":121,"source_url":606},"top-technologies-370x208.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F11\u002Ftop-technologies-370x208.png",{"file":608,"width":485,"height":486,"mime-type":121,"source_url":609},"top-technologies-768x432.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F11\u002Ftop-technologies-768x432.png",{"file":611,"width":490,"height":490,"mime-type":121,"source_url":612},"top-technologies-150x150.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F11\u002Ftop-technologies-150x150.png",{"file":608,"width":485,"height":486,"mime-type":121,"source_url":609},{"file":615,"width":495,"height":496,"mime-type":121,"source_url":616},"top-technologies-1536x864.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F11\u002Ftop-technologies-1536x864.png",{"file":618,"width":500,"height":501,"mime-type":121,"source_url":619},"top-technologies-2048x1152.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F11\u002Ftop-technologies-2048x1152.png",{"aperture":143,"credit":64,"camera":64,"caption":64,"created_timestamp":143,"copyright":64,"focal_length":143,"iso":143,"shutter_speed":143,"title":64,"orientation":143},25397,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F11\u002Ftop-technologies-scaled.png",{"cta_type":64,"cta_color":64,"subtitle":64,"key_takeaways":624,"related_books":16,"related_posts_footer":16,"related_posts":16},[625,627],{"title":626},"\u003Cp>Technologies that were only concepts some years ago are now real options to be used in healthcare practice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":628},"\u003Cp>From wearable ultrasound to custom-made splints, we share a collection of 10 advanced healthcare technologies that are ready to be used in practice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"yoast_wpseo_title":630,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":64,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":572},"10 Promising Advanced Healthcare Technologies In Practice - The Medical Futurist",{"self":632,"collection":637,"about":639,"author":641,"replies":643,"version-history":646,"predecessor-version":649,"wp:featuredmedia":653,"wp:attachment":656,"wp:term":659,"curies":670},[633],{"href":634,"targetHints":635},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F58097",{"allow":636},[27],[638],{"href":171},[640],{"href":174},[642],{"embeddable":41,"href":177},[644],{"embeddable":41,"href":645},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=58097",[647],{"count":378,"href":648},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F58097\u002Frevisions",[650],{"id":651,"href":652},58123,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F58097\u002Frevisions\u002F58123",[654],{"embeddable":41,"href":655},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F25448",[657],{"href":658},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=58097",[660,662,664,666,668],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":41,"href":661},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=58097",{"taxonomy":199,"embeddable":41,"href":663},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=58097",{"taxonomy":202,"embeddable":41,"href":665},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=58097",{"taxonomy":205,"embeddable":41,"href":667},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=58097",{"taxonomy":208,"embeddable":41,"href":669},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=58097",[671],{"name":39,"href":40,"templated":41},{"id":673,"date":674,"date_gmt":675,"guid":676,"modified":678,"modified_gmt":679,"slug":680,"status":52,"type":53,"link":681,"title":682,"content":684,"excerpt":686,"author":325,"featured_media":688,"comment_status":63,"ping_status":63,"sticky":41,"template":64,"format":65,"meta":689,"categories":690,"tags":693,"project_category":700,"contact_email_category":704,"yst_prominent_words":705,"class_list":716,"better_featured_image":729,"acf":750,"yoast_meta":762,"_links":765},14811,"2024-07-18T09:30:00","2024-07-18T07:30:00",{"rendered":677},"http:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?p=14811","2024-07-18T09:16:06","2024-07-18T07:16:06","the-technological-future-of-surgery","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-technological-future-of-surgery",{"rendered":683},"The Technological Future Of Surgery",{"rendered":685,"protected":16},"\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.\u003C\u002Fem>” This quote by Arthur C. Clarke pretty much sums up the future of surgery. It offers fantastic cooperation between humans and technology, which could elevate the level of precision and efficiency of surgeries so high we have never seen before. AI, surgical robots, 3D printing and new imaging methods are already \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nytimes.com\u002F2021\u002F04\u002F30\u002Ftechnology\u002Frobot-surgery-surgeon.html\" target=\"_blank\">used on a wide scale\u003C\u002Fa> of procedures. But there’s much more to the future of surgery than that. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Although robotic-assisted surgeries are not yet the mainstream way of operating patients, these procedures are \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.rcseng.ac.uk\u002Fstandards-and-research\u002Fstandards-and-guidance\u002Fgood-practice-guides\u002Frobotic-assisted-surgery\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">already used in 70+ countries\u003C\u002Fa> around the world, millions of times each year. According to some \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.strategicmarketresearch.com\u002Fblogs\u002Frobotic-surgery-statistics#:~:text=Between%202012%20and%202022%2C%20the%20percentage%20of%20general%20surgery%20procedures,from%201.8%25%20to%2017%25.&text=Robotic%20surgery%20is%20becoming%20increasingly,for%2070.6%25%20of%20total%20surgery.\" target=\"_blank\">widely used – although hard to source\u003C\u002Fa> – statistics, some 15-20% of the surgeries in the United States have robotic assistance.  \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>With AI technologies rising, surgeons can enlist additional technological aids, as algorithms will certainly play a role in their future lives, from helping in surgical planning to designing custom implants. It is time to see how new technologies will transform this medical specialty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Here, I collected the technologies that will significantly impact the future of surgery.\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step zero: surgeons to rethink their profession\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Before touching base with technology, we need to think about the human quotient of the department. Surgeons bear huge responsibilities: they might cause irreparable damage and medical miracles with one incision on the patient’s body. With the rise of digital technologies, the operating rooms and surgeons are inundated with new devices to make the least cuts possible. We need to deal with these new surgical technologies to make everyone understand that they extend the capabilities of surgeons instead of replacing them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Surgeons also tend to alienate themselves from patients. Human touch is not necessarily the quintessence of their work; however, as technological solutions find their way into their practice taking over part of their repetitive tasks, it would make sense to rethink their stance. Treating patients with empathy before and after surgery would ensure their services are irreplaceable also in the age of robotics and artificial intelligence. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_264-01.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-34321\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_264-01.png 1920w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_264-01-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_264-01-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_264-01-1536x864.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>1) Virtual reality\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In April 2016, cancer surgeon Shafi Ahmed \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theguardian.com\u002Ftechnology\u002F2016\u002Fapr\u002F14\u002Fcutting-edge-theatre-worlds-first-virtual-reality-operation-goes-live\">performed an operation\u003C\u002Fa> using a VR camera at the Royal London Hospital. It was a huge step for surgery, and anyone could \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.medicalrealities.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">participate in it,\u003C\u002Fa> in real time. Ever since, companies like \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fossovr.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">Osso VR\u003C\u002Fa>, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.immersivetouch.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">ImmersiveTouch\u003C\u002Fa>, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Foramavr.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">OramaVR\u003C\u002Fa> or \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.fundamentalvr.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">Fundamental VR\u003C\u002Fa> have used VR as both training or imaging solutions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>VR can elevate the teaching and learning experience in medicine to a whole new level, replacing students peeking over the surgeon’s shoulder during an operation. By using VR, surgeons can stream operations, allowing medical students to be in the OR virtually, using their VR goggles. Helping doctors practise procedures or life-saving moves is invaluable. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Beyond surgical training, VR can also be used to \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalgiving.stanford.edu\u002Fnews\u002Fvirtual-reality-system-helps-surgeons-reassures-patients.html\" target=\"_blank\">help patients understand their procedures\u003C\u002Fa> and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Facsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\u002Fdoi\u002Fabs\u002F10.1002\u002Fcncr.35282\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">manage pain and anxiety\u003C\u002Fa>. The technology has the potential to improve patient outcomes by allowing for better pre-operative planning and more precise surgical execution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>And although this hasn’t (yet) become the norm in medical training or education over the past years, leading universities and \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.studyinternational.com\u002Fnews\u002Fvirtual-reality-technology-medicine\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">institutions\u003C\u002Fa> certainly \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hcinnovationgroup.com\u002Fhome\u002Farticle\u002F13011124\u002Fmayo-clinic-becomes-first-us-institution-to-train-surgeons-with-fundamental-surgery-vr-haptic-simulations\" target=\"_blank\">make use of the technology.\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Even more: virtual reality training can contribute to the efficiency of healthcare systems in rural areas, just as the Orlando Medical Institute is delivering \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.wfmz.com\u002Fnews\u002Fpr_newswire\u002Fpr_newswire_health\u002Fgroundbreaking-pediatric-training-tour-uses-virtual-reality-to-improve-emergency-care-for-children-by-rural\u002Farticle_19f1693f-6723-5205-8624-6d6d96f3f489.html\" target=\"_blank\">emergency medical training\u003C\u002Fa> in Florida for pediatric emergencies. This is the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"One-Minute Challenge: Virtual Reality - The Medical Futurist\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FIVfmkds2PcQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2) Augmented reality\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As there is a lot of confusion around \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F6-healthcare-examples-of-virtual-augmented-and-mixed-reality\" target=\"_blank\">VR and AR, not to mention MR\u003C\u002Fa>, let me clarify: AR differs from VR in two essential features. AR users do not lose touch with reality, while VR completely shields you from the physical world. Mixed reality combines the features of VR and AR. And if you hear someone talking about XR (or extended reality): this is the umbrella term for all the before-mentioned realities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>These distinctive features have a huge potential in \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fnews.hss.edu\u002Fmore-than-the-eye-can-see-hospital-for-special-surgery-first-in-nys-to-use-augmented-reality-guidance-in-spine-surgery\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">helping surgeons\u003C\u002Fa> become more efficient at surgeries. Whether they are conducting a minimally invasive procedure or locating a tumour in the liver, AR healthcare apps can help save lives and treat patients seamlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"INSIGHT HEART on Apple Vision Pro\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FZDQroB3hVaw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The first AR-backed spinal fusion surgery took place in 2020 in the U.S., where an FDA-approved AR Guidance system \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Forthospinenews.com\u002F2020\u002F06\u002F11\u002Ffirst-augmented-reality-spine-surgery-using-fda-cleared-augmedics-xvision-spine-system-completed-in-u-s\u002F\">helped surgeons visualise\u003C\u002Fa> the 3D spinal anatomy of a patient during surgery – it was just as if doctors had X-ray vision. The team at the Johns Hopkins Hospital praised the tool for accuracy, safety and operating efficiency. Another company, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.propriovision.com\" target=\"_blank\">Proprio\u003C\u002Fa> supports medical professionals by creating AI-supported ultra-precise 3D images.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>EchoPixel’s \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.echopixeltech.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">True 3D medical visualisation system\u003C\u002Fa> allows doctors to interact with patient-specific organs and tissue in an open 3D space. It enables doctors to identify, evaluate, and dissect clinically significant structures immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"One-minute Challenge: Augmented Reality - The Medical Futurist\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FxUaBrgsHkPs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>3) Surgical robotics\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Surgical robots today have 3D cameras that record operations. The video streams to a computer screen somewhere nearby beyond a plexiglass as the doctor \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nytimes.com\u002F2021\u002F04\u002F30\u002Ftechnology\u002Frobot-surgery-surgeon.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">proceeds with the operation\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F8-exciting-medical-robot-facts\" target=\"_blank\">Surgical robots are the prodigies of surgery\u003C\u002Fa>. The most commonly known surgical robot is the \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.intuitive.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fproducts-and-services\u002Fda-vinci\u002F5\" target=\"_blank\">da Vinci surgical system,\u003C\u002Fa> and, believe it or not, it was introduced 25 years ago! It features a magnified 3D high-definition vision system and tiny wristed instruments that bend and rotate far more than the human hand. With Intuitive’s da Vinci, surgeons operate through just a few small incisions – no wonder that it has been used in over 14 million procedures worldwide to date. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Within this procedure, the surgeon is 100% in control of the robotic system at all times. The robot’s added value is to \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.wsj.com\u002Farticles\u002Fautonomous-robots-are-coming-to-the-operating-room-11599786000?mod=article_inline\" target=\"_blank\">assist the surgeon\u003C\u002Fa> in suturing, dissecting and retracting tissue. Surgical robots can dramatically increase \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.utsouthwestern.edu\u002Fnewsroom\u002Farticles\u002Fyear-2024\u002Fjan-robotic-surgery-colon-cancer-patients.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">operations’ precision\u003C\u002Fa>, but the real breakthrough will only come with entirely autonomous robots in the operating rooms. That’ll probably take a while, but there’s definitely a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fmedical-robots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">place for robots in healthcare\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Frobotics-healthcare\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">.\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F12\u002F229_tmf-01.png\" alt=\"Robot draws blood\" class=\"wp-image-31673\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F12\u002F229_tmf-01.png 1920w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F12\u002F229_tmf-01-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F12\u002F229_tmf-01-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F12\u002F229_tmf-01-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F12\u002F229_tmf-01-2048x1152.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>4) Minimally invasive surgery\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In the 18th century, after Edison produced his lightbulb, a Glasgow physician \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.theatlantic.com\u002Fhealth\u002Farchive\u002F2014\u002F10\u002Fthe-future-of-surgery-less-cutting-more-robots\u002F381003\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">built a tiny bulb\u003C\u002Fa> into a tube to look around inside the body. But it wasn’t until the second half of the 20th century that fibre-optic threads brought brighter light into the caverns of the body. Even later, tiny computer chip cameras started sending images back out. Finally, doctors could not only clearly see inside a person’s body without making a long incision but could also use tiny tools to perform surgery inside. One of the techniques revolutionising surgery was the introduction of laparoscopes and then endoscopes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Minimally invasive surgery allows fewer but more precise cuts and fewer incisions, leading to less pain and faster recovery. The medical device start-up \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\u002F\u002Flevita.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">Levita\u003C\u002Fa> aims to refine such procedures with its FDA-approved \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.massdevice.com\u002Flevita-magnetics-fda-clearance-mars-surgical-robot\u002F#:~:text=Levita%20Magnetics%20wins%20FDA%20clearance%20for%20magnetic%2Dassisted%20surgical%20robot,-August%2022%2C%202023&text=The%20MARS%20surgical%20robot%20system,magnetic%2Dassisted%20robotic%20surgery%20platform.\" target=\"_blank\">MARS Magnetic Surgical System\u003C\u002Fa>. This innovative technological platform utilises magnetic retraction during laparoscopic surgery. The company has come a long way in the past few years, their first FDA approval was for a solution for laparoscopic gallbladder removal, while MARS is aimed to assist a wide range of abdominal surgical procedures. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.vicarioussurgical.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vicarious Surgical\u003C\u002Fa>, a next-generation surgical robotics company, aims to increase the efficiency of surgical procedures. The Vicarious system has an exceptional reach and the ability to “replicate” all the moves of a surgeon – and more. It creates a single incision just 1.5 cm across that still allows through two robotic arms and a camera.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Future of Surgery\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FE81gsTHDruI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cb>5) 3D printing and simulations in pre-operative planning and education\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complicated and risky surgeries lasting hours need a lot of careful planning. Existing technologies such as 3D printing or various simulation techniques help a lot in reforming medical practice and learning methods, as well as modelling and planning successfully complex surgical procedures.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In March 2016, in China, a team of \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F5-jaw-drapping-stories-of-digital-health-technology-saving-lives\u002F\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">experienced doctors decided\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to build a full-sized model of the heart of a small baby born with a heart defect. They pre-planned an extremely complicated surgery on the tiny heart. This was the first time someone used this method in China. The team of medical professionals successfully \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002F3dprint.com\u002F124954\u002F3d-printed-heart-saves-baby\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">completed the surgery\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The little boy survived with little to no lasting ill-effects.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Researchers at Penn State University have been\u003C\u002Fspan> working on skin and bone bioprinting\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for at least a decade. They have \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.psu.edu\u002Fnews\u002Fresearch\u002Fstory\u002Fskin-and-bones-repaired-bioprinting-during-surgery\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">repaired skin and bones by bioprinting\u003C\u002Fa> during surgery in rat models. Face and skull injuries are particularly difficult to fix as there are many layers of various tissues. During such operations, Ibrahim T. Ozbolat, Hartz Family Career Development Associate Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Biomedical Engineering and Neurosurgery, Penn State and his team printed both bone and soft tissue. “\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ci>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It took less than 5 minutes for the bioprinter to lay down the bone layer and soft tissue,\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fi>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">” the professor explained. They hope to \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fnews.engr.psu.edu\u002F2023\u002Fozbolat-ibrahim-high-speed-bioprinting-nih-grant.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">translate this research\u003C\u002Fa> to \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.psu.edu\u002Fnews\u002Fresearch\u002Fstory\u002F3d-printed-skin-closes-wounds-and-contains-hair-follicle-precursors\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">human applications\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F03\u002Ftmf_article_249-01.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-33403\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F03\u002Ftmf_article_249-01.png 1920w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F03\u002Ftmf_article_249-01-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F03\u002Ftmf_article_249-01-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F03\u002Ftmf_article_249-01-1536x864.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\u003Cp>3D printing technology also started to get a \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bbc.com\u002Fnews\u002Fuk-england-nottinghamshire-68734814\" target=\"_blank\">foothold in medical education\u003C\u002Fa>. To provide surgeons and students with an alternative to a living human being to work on, a pair of physicians at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fnewatlas.com\u002Fartificial-organs-bleed-realistic\u002F46538\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">developed a way\u003C\u002Fa> to use 3D printing to create artificial organs back in 2016. They looked, felt, and even bled like the real thing. Ever since 3D printing has been taking over institutes as it increases future physicians’ more profound understanding of anatomy and pathology, leads to a better understanding of the procedures and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nature.com\u002Farticles\u002Fs41598-024-59351-6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">improves trainee skill set\u003C\u002Fa> and confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>We’ve been hearing about 3D-printing in medicine for a while now, but progress has been slow so far – mostly due to the high costs. This might start to change. \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.stratasys.com\u002Fen\u002Findustries-and-applications\u002F3d-printing-industries\u002Fmedical\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">Stratasys\u003C\u002Fa> has announced a 3D printer that is targeted at hospitals, medical device manufacturers and research institutions, designed for the production of realistic, patient-specific anatomic models. \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.materialise.com\u002Fen\u002Facademy\u002Fhealthcare\u002Ftraining\" target=\"_blank\">Materialise offers\u003C\u002Fa> 3D Printing in Medicine Course as hands-on training for hospitals to train personnel about the technology and what it can do in a hospital setting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6) Remote surgery\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Remote or telesurgery lies in the intersection of 5G, robotic technology and wireless networking. In the long run, it might be redefining the field enabling surgeons to perform operations on patients who are geographically distant. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This addresses many traditional pain points: the need for physical presence and the logistical challenges of scheduling, and allows real-time collaboration among surgeons across the globe, thus improving accuracy and outcomes. This advanced technology, theoretically, allows high-quality surgical care to reach medically underserved areas, including rural regions, battlefields, and remote environments like submarines and space stations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Despite its transformative potential, telesurgery faces several limitations and challenges. High initial costs and maintenance expenses can be prohibitive, and there are significant concerns regarding patient safety and data privacy. The risk of cyber-attacks and unstable internet connections can jeopardize the integrity and success of surgical procedures. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7) AI’s growing influence \u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Artificial Intelligence will revolutionise the surgical profession, impacting every stage of the surgical pathway, from \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fkarger.com\u002Fesr\u002Farticle\u002F65\u002F1\u002F22\u002F894518\u002FArtificial-Intelligence-in-Surgery-The-Future-Is\" target=\"_blank\">pre-operative planning to post-operative care\u003C\u002Fa>, enhancing decision-making and improving patient outcomes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In the pre-operative phase, AI can aid in early and accurate diagnosis by analysing medical images, identifying potential risk factors, and suggesting personalised treatment plans. Intraoperatively, AI-powered tools can provide real-time guidance to surgeons, augmenting their skills and precision. Post-operatively, AI can monitor patient recovery, predict complications, and facilitate efficient discharge planning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>However, algorithms will not only impact the surroundings of the operating room. They will also streamline administrative tasks, optimise resource allocation, and enhance surgical training and education. By automating routine tasks, AI frees up valuable time for surgeons to focus on complex decision-making and patient care. Additionally, AI-powered simulations can provide surgeons with immersive training experiences, honing their skills in a risk-free environment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The integration of AI with robotics, sensors, and other cutting-edge technologies \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.news-medical.net\u002Fnews\u002F20230508\u002FAI-in-surgery-A-double-edged-scalpel.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">promises to redefine surgical procedures\u003C\u002Fa>, making them less invasive, more precise, and ultimately more successful. However, the growing reliance on AI also raises ethical considerations. Ensuring patient privacy and data security is paramount, as is addressing potential biases in AI algorithms. It is crucial to establish clear guidelines and regulations for the responsible use of AI in surgery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The future of surgery lies in the collaboration between human expertise and AI capabilities. By harnessing the power of AI, surgeons can enhance their skills, optimize decision-making, and ultimately deliver better care to their patients. The integration of AI into the surgical profession holds the promise of a new era of precision, efficiency, and improved patient outcomes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The key: human-technology cooperation\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The future of surgery, just as the future of medicine, means close cooperation between humans and medical technology. I cannot stress enough that robots and other products of rapid technological development will not replace humans – instead, those medical professionals using \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F5-reasons-artificial-intelligence-wont-replace-physicians\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AI will replace\u003C\u002Fa> the ones who don’t. The two will complement each other’s work in such a successful way that we have never seen nor dreamed about before. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">But only if we learn how to do so.\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:post-content -->\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:paragraph -->\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Ch3>Learn more about the technological future of medical specialities from \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fleanpub.com\u002Ffuture-of-medical-specialties\">our e-book\u003C\u002Fa>!\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-23819 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F05\u002F0415_tmfs_mockup.png\" alt=\"future of medical specialties\" width=\"3200\" height=\"1800\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F05\u002F0415_tmfs_mockup.png 1920w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F05\u002F0415_tmfs_mockup-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F05\u002F0415_tmfs_mockup-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F05\u002F0415_tmfs_mockup-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F05\u002F0415_tmfs_mockup-2048x1152.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C!-- wp:html -->\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #eee; border-top: 4px solid #444;\" cellpadding=\"10px\">\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd style=\"width: 100%;\">\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>At The Medical Futurist, we are building a community for making a bold vision about the future of healthcare reality today.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dr. Bertalan Mesko, PhD, the Director of The Medical Futurist Institute, launched The Medical Futurist to help individuals, companies, and governments understand how digital health technologies bring healthcare into the 21st century.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">\u003Cem>“Digital health technologies empower patients to become proactive in their life; empower medical professionals to do their job being supported by advanced technologies, and companies and policymakers to make better decisions about their future.” – Dr. Bertalan Meskó\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To support this transformation, Dr. Meskó and The Medical Futurist team is working relentlessly analyzing the latest trends in digital health and bringing insights to the 800,000+ readers and followers of our publications, along these principles:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: #e71d3299;\">\u003Cstrong>The Medical Futurist is a place to learn, not a place for advertising\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fspan>. The Medical Futurist team is working to bring you unlimited access to reliable, neutral information, that is free from the influence of vendors and companies.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: #e71d3299;\">\u003Cstrong>Unlike many others, we keep 99% of The Medical Futurist content open for all readers\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fspan>, regardless of where they live or what they can afford to pay. We do this because we believe in information equality, where everyone deserves to read accurate news and thoughtful analysis.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>We commit to high-impact reporting that helps people navigate the jungle of digital health and to see where it is heading. With no shareholders or billionaire owners, we set our agenda and provide unbiased insights that are free from commercial and political influence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you’d like to support this mission, we invite you to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">join The Medical Futurist Patreon Community\u003C\u002Fa>. A community of empowered patients, future-oriented healthcare professionals, concerned health policymakers, sensible health tech developers, and enthusiastic medical students. If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our research and sustains our future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\">\u003Cstrong style=\"background-color: #e71d3299; color: #000;\">Click here to support The Medical Futurist from as little as $3\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa> – it only takes a minute. Thank you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Ftd>\n\u003C\u002Ftr>\n\u003C\u002Ftbody>\n\u003C\u002Ftable>\n\u003Cp>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:html -->\u003C\u002Fp>",{"rendered":687,"protected":16},"\u003Cp>The future of surgery offers an amazing cooperation between humans and technology, through which surgeries reach high levels of precision and efficiency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",34403,{"_acf_changed":16,"footnotes":64},[230,5,583,691,232,692,584,69],490,516,[424,694,76,436,423,695,75,696,430,697,698,699],625,144,205,377,519,423,[701,439,702,80,703],947,949,952,[],[239,706,707,708,709,710,449,711,712,713,336,714,590,715],1883,2133,2145,2389,2405,3201,1721,3229,3825,1787,[717,53,91,92,93,94,95,244,97,597,718,246,719,598,98,454,720,104,466,453,721,103,722,460,723,724,725,726,468,727,107,728],"post-14811","category-future-of-pharma","category-medical-education","tag-surgical-robot","tag-artificial-intelligence","tag-diagnostics","tag-robotics-2","tag-gc4","tag-surgery","project_category-company","project_category-educators","project_category-policy-makers",{"id":688,"alt_text":64,"caption":64,"description":730,"media_type":110,"media_details":731,"post":748,"source_url":749},"The future of surgery robot robotic robotic-assisted TMF ",{"width":474,"height":475,"file":732,"sizes":733,"image_meta":747},"2021\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_267-01.png",{"medium":734,"large":737,"thumbnail":740,"medium_large":743,"1536x1536":744},{"file":735,"width":480,"height":481,"mime-type":121,"source_url":736},"tmf_article_267-01-370x208.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_267-01-370x208.png",{"file":738,"width":485,"height":486,"mime-type":121,"source_url":739},"tmf_article_267-01-768x432.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_267-01-768x432.png",{"file":741,"width":490,"height":490,"mime-type":121,"source_url":742},"tmf_article_267-01-150x150.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_267-01-150x150.png",{"file":738,"width":485,"height":486,"mime-type":121,"source_url":739},{"file":745,"width":495,"height":496,"mime-type":121,"source_url":746},"tmf_article_267-01-1536x864.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_267-01-1536x864.png",{"aperture":143,"credit":64,"camera":64,"caption":64,"created_timestamp":143,"copyright":64,"focal_length":143,"iso":143,"shutter_speed":143,"title":64,"orientation":143},34359,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_267-01.png",{"related_posts":16,"related_posts_footer":751,"subtitle":64,"cta_type":147,"cta_color":64,"related_books":754,"key_takeaways":755},[752,753],17884,24354,[149,511],[756,758,760],{"title":757},"\u003Cp>Technological advancements, including robotics, AI, and digital health, will fundamentally transform the surgical profession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":759},"\u003Cp>To preserve the human component, surgeons may need to place greater emphasis on doctor-patient relationships, communication, and empathy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":761},"\u003Cp>There is a significant gap between theoretically possible outcomes and realistically expected results in the mid-term, especially outside of top-tier clinics in the wealthiest countries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"yoast_wpseo_title":763,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":764,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":681},"The Technological Future Of Surgery - The Medical Futurist","The future of surgery offers an amazing cooperation between humans and technology, through which surgeries reach high levels of precision and efficiency.",{"self":766,"collection":771,"about":773,"author":775,"replies":777,"version-history":780,"predecessor-version":783,"wp:featuredmedia":787,"wp:attachment":790,"wp:term":793,"curies":804},[767],{"href":768,"targetHints":769},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F14811",{"allow":770},[27],[772],{"href":171},[774],{"href":174},[776],{"embeddable":41,"href":372},[778],{"embeddable":41,"href":779},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=14811",[781],{"count":538,"href":782},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F14811\u002Frevisions",[784],{"id":785,"href":786},57055,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F14811\u002Frevisions\u002F57055",[788],{"embeddable":41,"href":789},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F34403",[791],{"href":792},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=14811",[794,796,798,800,802],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":41,"href":795},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=14811",{"taxonomy":199,"embeddable":41,"href":797},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=14811",{"taxonomy":202,"embeddable":41,"href":799},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=14811",{"taxonomy":205,"embeddable":41,"href":801},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=14811",{"taxonomy":208,"embeddable":41,"href":803},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=14811",[805],{"name":39,"href":40,"templated":41},{"id":807,"date":808,"date_gmt":809,"guid":810,"modified":812,"modified_gmt":813,"slug":814,"status":52,"type":53,"link":815,"title":816,"content":818,"excerpt":820,"author":325,"featured_media":822,"comment_status":63,"ping_status":63,"sticky":41,"template":64,"format":65,"meta":823,"categories":824,"tags":825,"project_category":828,"contact_email_category":829,"yst_prominent_words":830,"class_list":833,"better_featured_image":837,"acf":868,"yoast_meta":880,"_links":883},13497,"2024-07-16T09:30:00","2024-07-16T07:30:00",{"rendered":811},"http:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?p=13497","2024-07-28T18:24:40","2024-07-28T16:24:40","augmented-reality-in-healthcare-will-be-revolutionary","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Faugmented-reality-in-healthcare-will-be-revolutionary",{"rendered":817},"Augmented Reality In Healthcare: 8 Examples",{"rendered":819,"protected":16},"\n\u003Cp>Alternate realities offer a gazillion of possibilities for healthcare. Augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) are not only empty buzzwords in medicine but also valid solutions in education, vein or surgical visualisation, relaxing patients, curing PTSD, speeding up recovery in physical therapy – or even supporting medical presentations. However different these technologies are, they are often mixed up. Here are their most significant differences, and real-life examples of how Augmented Reality in healthcare could really make a difference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\u002F>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>The difference between AR, VR, MR and MX\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Augmented reality is the enhancement of the real-world environment in a way (just think of Google Glass). It gives an image of the real world, projecting digital information onto the existing surroundings. \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F5-ways-medical-vr-is-changing-healthcare\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">Virtual reality\u003C\u002Fa> is an entirely immersive process with a VR glass that covers the eyes (thus reality) entirely. It shuts out the external world, offering an immersive experience. \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fmixed-reality-healthcare-hololens-review\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">Mixed reality\u003C\u002Fa> combines the two. It merges the real world and digital objects into an interactive reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Augmented reality differs from its most known “relative”, virtual reality (VR) since the latter creates a 3D world completely detaching the user from reality. There are two respects in which AR is unique: users do not lose touch with reality and it puts information into eyesight as fast as possible. These distinctive features enable AR to become a driving force in the future of medicine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F05\u002F0323_vrarxr_infographic-v3-768x432.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-51089\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F05\u002F0323_vrarxr_infographic-v3-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F05\u002F0323_vrarxr_infographic-v3-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F05\u002F0323_vrarxr_infographic-v3-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F05\u002F0323_vrarxr_infographic-v3.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Augmented reality: the future of healthcare\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Augmented reality in healthcare has had its ups and downs. From being one of the most promising digital health technologies at present, the technology today seems to be at a stop, waiting for the next innovation to push it yet another step further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>AR has a place in the future of healthcare. Just read our interview with \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Frobert-scoble-great-thinkers\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mixed reality expert, Robert Scoble\u003C\u002Fa>. But now, let’s see what is already possible today. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Explaining Augmented Reality in Medicine In One Minute! - The Medical Futurist\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FwVZ2oFm4B3w?start=12&feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>\u003Cstrong>The best examples of augmented reality in medicine and healthcare\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. \u003Cstrong>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.linkedin.com\u002Fposts\u002Fbertalanmesko_have-you-ever-tried-operating-a-semi-automatic-activity-7133759012616957952-HzWP\u002F?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Augmented reality can save lives by showing how to use a defibrillator\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>What would you do if a person next to you suddenly collapsed? All kinds of thoughts would rush through your head, and depending on your previous knowledge and training, you would either react calmly or feel lost. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As defibrillators are becoming increasingly available in many parts of the world, some sudden cardiac conditions have improved survival odds. Especially, if people around know how to use such a device. It might be obvious for most medical professionals, but certainly not so for an average citizen. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Enter augmented reality, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.linkedin.com\u002Fposts\u002Fbertalanmesko_have-you-ever-tried-operating-a-semi-automatic-activity-7133759012616957952-HzWP?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop\" target=\"_blank\">offering a practical solution\u003C\u002Fa>. Equipped with smart glasses, this technology walks you through each crucial step, essentially acting as a guiding companion throughout the entire process. Sidenote, let’s not forget that the glasses would need to be charged while the defibrillator is patiently waiting in its box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How AR is revolutionizing healthcare – and how it could one day save your life\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002Fz3owLTiEGJ4?start=127&feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.linkedin.com\u002Fposts\u002Fbertalanmesko_look-at-this-interesting-concept-video-about-activity-7151172077402693634-oxal?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop\" target=\"_blank\">Using Augmented Reality glasses to see the remote patient in 3D\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Using AR to allow physicians to have a much better view of remote patients is an interesting concept. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.linkedin.com\u002Fembed\u002Ffeed\u002Fupdate\u002Furn:li:ugcPost:7151172076660269056?compact=1\" height=\"399\" width=\"710\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"\" title=\"Embedded post\">\u003C\u002Fiframe>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Obviously, you would need an AR glass to experience the same vision as shown in the video, but in dermatology, plastic surgery and a few other medical specialties, I could see clear benefits of that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>3. Patients can describe their symptoms better through augmented reality\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Patients often struggle when they have to describe their symptoms to their doctors accurately. In other cases, people frequently find themselves overreacting to a medical situation – or, on the contrary, belittling the problem. Using augmented reality to help patient education or so they can easier explain or show what they feel would be such a long-hanging fruit of AR use that it is hard to believe no such solution exists. I know of two earlier examples, Oculenz and \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.imedicalapps.com\u002F2013\u002F07\u002Fmedical-app-augmented-reality-patient-education\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">EyeDecide\u003C\u002Fa>, but sadly both went out of business. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"442\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F07\u002Feye-decide-app.jpg\" alt=\"EyeDecide - Augmented Reality in Medicine\" class=\"wp-image-13501\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F07\u002Feye-decide-app.jpg 600w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F07\u002Feye-decide-app-512x377.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F07\u002Feye-decide-app-339x250.jpg 339w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>4. Nurses can find veins more easily with augmented reality \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Medtech companies like \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.accuvein.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">AccuVein\u003C\u002Fa> or \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Faimvein.com\u002Fproducts\u002Faimvein-pro-2-0\" target=\"_blank\">Aim\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Faimvein.com\u002Fproducts\u002Faimvein-pro-2-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">V\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Faimvein.com\u002Fproducts\u002Faimvein-pro-2-0\" target=\"_blank\">ein\u003C\u002Fa> are using AR technology to make both nurses’ and patients’ lives easier. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>By using augmented reality, the company can help medical professionals get better at drawing blood, using a handheld scanner that projects over the skin and shows nurses and doctors where veins are in the patients’ bodies. Luciano estimates that it’s been used on more than 10 million patients, making finding a vein on the first stick 3.5x more likely. \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fwould-you-let-a-robot-take-your-blood-sample\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">Such technologies could assist healthcare professionals and extend their skills.\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Testing a Vein Scanner!! - The Medical Futurist\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FiLkfDE3Gg8s?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>5. Motivating runners through zombies\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This was such a great idea, and although the \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fzrx.app\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">original company\u003C\u002Fa> sadly stopped using AR and shifted its focus to music, let me still explain the concept – as I’m certain something similar will eventually pop up.  Imagine that you are walking through a dark and abandoned alley, and you suddenly hear the groaning and the slow movement of a strange creature. I am pretty sure that even the laziest person would speed up after realizing that a “real zombie” is after them. This was the basic concept behind the Zombies, Run! application.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This concept was based on the fact that everything seems to be more fun when turned into a game – and also a bit like that fear can motivate people and zombies are creepy. Such an app would be perfect for those who are bored of running. If you not only hear but also see virtual zombies projected onto your phone or device’s screen, you will not only increase your speed and endurance but also feel that time is just flying by.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Zombies, Run! 2 Launch Trailer\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FxlRgBvYFxTo?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Medicine packaging and augmented reality: a missed opportunity for pharma\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp id=\"ember75\">Lengthy descriptions with those tiny letters in endless lines aren’t too inviting–at the same time, it is also important that there is no need to develop additional technology for creating an AR patient experience. Smartphones are practically given, QR codes are easy to make. All it takes is a bit of creativity to make AR in pharma packaging work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp id=\"ember76\">So why have pharmaceutical companies not used the opportunities provided by AR so far?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>A small Australian company, Immertia \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.freightwaves.com\u002Fnews\u002Faugmented-reality-is-making-packaging-sexy\" target=\"_blank\">created a prototype AR packaging\u003C\u002Fa> for Bayer to showcase what is possible with the technology. To create a demo similar to the one below took the team roughly two weeks, creating product descriptions and explanations in English and Spanish, and adding relevant commercials as an extra feature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=i3j_tk9IAhk\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Augmented reality can assist surgeons in the OR\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Augmented and mixed reality could allow surgeons to see the previously unseen details during an operation. Just like in this video from a company called Medivis. They are working on advancing surgical care with augmented reality, Al and computer vision, helping reduce complications and improve patient care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The incredible development speed of large language models already made me think about how the two technologies could be combined during surgery. Surgeons could interact with the data and images while talking with the multimodal large language model? Amazing potential!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Medivis SurgicalAR: Augmented Reality with Tractography\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002Fii5GIP2asbQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cb>8. Teaching kids about the human body\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>UK-based \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Ffuturistic-forward-looking-and-fun-the-curiscope-virtuali-tee-review\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">Curiscope\u003C\u002Fa> creates immersive learning experiences in virtual and augmented reality. They developed the Virtuali-tee T-shirt, through which you can see the inner parts of the human body through realistic holograms. Virtuali-tee brings anatomy to life to such a point of illusion which already represents Arthur C. Clarke’s famous third law. “\u003Cem>Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.\u003C\u002Fem>”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"My Organs In Augmented Reality! - The Medical Futurist\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FVXBks60oKw4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Do you remember what your favourite toy as a kid was? For example, I always had a passion for LEGO. Assembling little LEGO parts into something new, creating castles, cars, and complex cities – that is one of the best activities in the world. It stimulates your fantasy, your creativity and develops your skills for holistic vision as well as your attention to detail. Lately, there have been various videogames that attempt to recreate LEGO in the virtual space – such as Minecraft.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"#1 Minecraft Timelapse Volcanic Island\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002Fveu6DfOTNv0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Parents often complain that their kids are just sitting in front of some screens, not learning anything about their environment and themselves, but I do not agree. Minecraft also enhances creativity and develops the way children see the world around them – but in a different way as LEGO. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>I think that from here, it is only one leap before we reach LEGO with AR, where the advantages of building something in the real world might be combined with virtual imagination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\u002F>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>This way, our kids would be able to know that reality is real, but would also be ready to exploit the opportunities Augmented Reality can provide us with in healthcare.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\">\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #eee; border-top: 4px solid #444;\" cellpadding=\"10px\">\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd style=\"width: 100%;\">\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>At The Medical Futurist, we are building a community for making a bold vision about the future of healthcare reality today.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FFIbMejImnxs\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\">\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003Cp>If you’d like to support this mission, we invite you to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\">join The Medical Futurist Patreon Community\u003C\u002Fa>. A community of empowered patients, future-oriented healthcare professionals, concerned health policymakers, sensible health tech developers, and enthusiastic medical students. If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our research and sustains our future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\">\u003Cstrong style=\"background-color: #e71d3299; color: #000;\">Click here to support The Medical Futurist from as little as $3\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa> – it only takes a minute. Thank you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Ftd>\n\u003C\u002Ftr>\n\u003C\u002Ftbody>\n\u003C\u002Ftable>\n\u003Cp> \u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":821,"protected":16},"\u003Cp>Augmented reality had the potential to change healthcare and medicine completely – but we’re stil waiting for the breakthrough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",25298,{"_acf_changed":16,"footnotes":64},[5,583,231],[430,826,435,699,424,827,78,75],267,517,[701,439,80,440],[],[831,88,238,592,336,84,832,85,590,706],2329,1729,[834,53,91,92,93,94,95,97,597,245,460,835,465,725,454,836,106,103,726,468,107,469],"post-13497","tag-google-glass","tag-gc1",{"id":822,"alt_text":838,"caption":64,"description":64,"media_type":110,"media_details":839,"post":807,"source_url":867},"Augmented reality in healthcare",{"width":474,"height":475,"file":840,"sizes":841,"image_meta":865},"2016\u002F07\u002F123_tmf_illu.png",{"medium":842,"large":845,"thumbnail":848,"medium_large":851,"1536x1536":852,"large_old_512x288":855,"thumbnail_old_150x150":859,"medium_old_370x208":860,"medium_large_old_768x432":861,"large_old_512x288_old_512x288":862},{"file":843,"width":119,"height":120,"mime-type":121,"source_url":844},"123_tmf_illu-370x208.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F07\u002F123_tmf_illu-370x208.png",{"file":846,"width":126,"height":127,"mime-type":121,"source_url":847},"123_tmf_illu-768x432.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F07\u002F123_tmf_illu-768x432.png",{"file":849,"width":132,"height":132,"mime-type":121,"source_url":850},"123_tmf_illu-150x150.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F07\u002F123_tmf_illu-150x150.png",{"file":846,"width":126,"height":127,"mime-type":121,"source_url":847},{"file":853,"width":138,"height":139,"mime-type":121,"source_url":854},"123_tmf_illu-1536x864.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F07\u002F123_tmf_illu-1536x864.png",{"file":856,"width":584,"height":857,"mime-type":121,"source_url":858},"123_tmf_illu-512x288.png",288,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F07\u002F123_tmf_illu-512x288.png",{"file":849,"width":490,"height":490,"mime-type":121,"source_url":850},{"file":843,"width":480,"height":481,"mime-type":121,"source_url":844},{"file":846,"width":485,"height":486,"mime-type":121,"source_url":847},{"file":856,"width":863,"height":864,"mime-type":121,"source_url":858},"512","288",{"aperture":143,"credit":64,"camera":64,"caption":64,"created_timestamp":143,"copyright":64,"focal_length":143,"iso":143,"shutter_speed":143,"title":64,"orientation":143,"keywords":866},[],"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F07\u002F123_tmf_illu.png",{"cta_type":147,"cta_color":64,"subtitle":64,"related_books":869,"related_posts_footer":870,"related_posts":16,"key_takeaways":873},[511,150,151],[871,752,872],36675,10992,[874,876,878],{"title":875},"\u003Cp>Augmented Reality in healthcare enhances medical training, allowing students to visualize and interact with 3D models of anatomy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":877},"\u003Cp>Augmented Reality aids surgeons by overlaying digital information onto the physical world, improving precision and outcomes during procedures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":879},"\u003Cp>Patients benefit from Augmented Reality through improved explanations of their conditions and treatments, leading to better understanding and engagement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"yoast_wpseo_title":881,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":882,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":815},"Augmented Reality In Healthcare: 8 Examples - The Medical Futurist","Augmented reality had the potential to change healthcare and medicine completely - but we're stil waiting for the breakthrough.",{"self":884,"collection":889,"about":891,"author":893,"replies":895,"version-history":898,"predecessor-version":902,"wp:featuredmedia":906,"wp:attachment":909,"wp:term":912,"curies":923},[885],{"href":886,"targetHints":887},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F13497",{"allow":888},[27],[890],{"href":171},[892],{"href":174},[894],{"embeddable":41,"href":372},[896],{"embeddable":41,"href":897},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=13497",[899],{"count":900,"href":901},49,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F13497\u002Frevisions",[903],{"id":904,"href":905},57233,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F13497\u002Frevisions\u002F57233",[907],{"embeddable":41,"href":908},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F25298",[910],{"href":911},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=13497",[913,915,917,919,921],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":41,"href":914},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=13497",{"taxonomy":199,"embeddable":41,"href":916},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=13497",{"taxonomy":202,"embeddable":41,"href":918},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=13497",{"taxonomy":205,"embeddable":41,"href":920},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=13497",{"taxonomy":208,"embeddable":41,"href":922},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=13497",[924],{"name":39,"href":40,"templated":41},{"id":926,"date":927,"date_gmt":928,"guid":929,"modified":931,"modified_gmt":932,"slug":933,"status":52,"type":53,"link":934,"title":935,"content":937,"excerpt":939,"author":325,"featured_media":941,"comment_status":63,"ping_status":63,"sticky":41,"template":64,"format":65,"meta":942,"categories":943,"tags":951,"project_category":957,"contact_email_category":958,"yst_prominent_words":959,"class_list":966,"better_featured_image":980,"acf":1001,"yoast_meta":1016,"_links":1018},32197,"2023-11-21T10:00:00","2023-11-21T09:00:00",{"rendered":930},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=32197&_wpnonce=33632050e7&status=auto-draft&type=post","2023-11-23T11:57:25","2023-11-23T10:57:25","superhumans","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fsuperhumans",{"rendered":936},"Will We All Have To Become Biologically Enhanced Superhumans?",{"rendered":938,"protected":16},"\n\u003Cp>Okay, hands up who can tell who’s the most famous biologically enhanced superhuman in the world? True, it’s a quite close call between Captain America and The Incredible Hulk (sorry Spidey, you’re not even close). But are human-invented superhumans just a thing of a \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FStan_Lee\" target=\"_blank\">Stan Lee comic\u003C\u002Fa>, or is it an actual scientific idea from a real laboratory?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As a matter of fact, enhancing human capabilities has been on the minds of people for ages, but it has come a long way from ancient training methods to exoskeletons. Enhancing our abilities, be it permanently or temporarily is a tempting but risky matter. Will it be possible in the not-too-far future to gear up superhuman powers so we don’t lag behind the others? Let’s dive in and see how (and if) we can be our better selves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"489\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F09\u002FSuperhero.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21851\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F09\u002FSuperhero.png 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F09\u002FSuperhero-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F09\u002FSuperhero-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F09\u002FSuperhero-512x288.png 512w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Superhuman – with the help of technology\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A brief history of human enhancement\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>First, we need to ask what ‘enhancement’ exactly is. Throughout history, the enhancement of humans by various tools from physical addendums (remember \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.primaryancientgreeks.com\u002Fcontent\u002Fdaidalos-ikaros\" target=\"_blank\">Icaros\u003C\u002Fa>?) to drugs (from ferocious Viking “\u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.historyextra.com\u002Fperiod\u002Fviking\u002Fthe-truth-about-viking-berserkers\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">berserkers\u003C\u002Fa>” to the Nazi army or East German swimmers – or many of the cyclists still today), or even love (just google ‘\u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSacred_Band_of_Thebes\" target=\"_blank\">Sacred Band of Thebes\u003C\u002Fa>’) have been on the minds of leaders, military chiefs or inventors alike. Or \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=bxiKqA-u8y4&ab_channel=TheSchoolofLife\" target=\"_blank\">philosophers\u003C\u002Fa>, as a matter of fact. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The urge to live forever has not passed with our predecessors, let’s take a look at Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint project with its straightforward goal: \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fprotocol.bryanjohnson.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">don’t die\u003C\u002Fa>. Granted, most of us don’t have 30 doctors and \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bloomberg.com\u002Fnews\u002Ffeatures\u002F2023-01-25\u002Fanti-aging-techniques-taken-to-extreme-by-bryan-johnson?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTY3NDc1MjE5MiwiZXhwIjoxNjc1MzU2OTkyLCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJSUDFGV0xEV1JHRzQwMSIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJFNUUzM0M0NzlCOTA0MjU2OTRGRTU1NTg5OTQ4N0FBOSJ9.cWlkQxMxDlCY3A2nkIt6Fy2fciMLM0nsY8uS2T7Vhug&sref=nPlhheXZ\" target=\"_blank\">millions of dollars\u003C\u002Fa> to spend on enhancing ourselves in all possible ways. On top of that, I feel a slight contrast between his efforts and the initiative to sell extra virgin olive oil as the omnipotent elixir to the less fortunate. But we can’t deny he has gone the extra mile in every possible way to make the most of what money and science offer today and I truly appreciate the dedication here. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>However, biological enhancement is a much deeper issue.  \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The dawn of digital health brought an era of technological advancements and within, the recreation of the human body or body parts or -functions came within reach. It started as a restoration of a certain human function, like \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.asrs.org\u002Fretina-times\u002Fdetails\u002F131\u002Ffda-approves-world-first-artificial-retina\" target=\"_blank\">eyesight\u003C\u002Fa> or \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.uclhospitals.brc.nihr.ac.uk\u002Fresearch\u002Fprogrammes\u002Fdeafness-hearing-problems\" target=\"_blank\">hearing\u003C\u002Fa>, or the replacement of a missing limb. Technologies like CRISPR gene editing, nanotechnology and even the revolution of wearables and sensors brought new possibilities in human enhancement, and although longevity is still far away for many, living longer and possibly healthier is a de facto case for the human race. (That is, if we survive the climate catastrophe we created.) \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The science of it also has a philosophical backing called \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FTranshumanism\" target=\"_blank\">transhumanism\u003C\u002Fa>; a movement that “\u003Cem>advocates the enhancement of the human condition by developing and making widely available sophisticated technologies that can greatly enhance longevity and cognition.\u003C\u002Fem>” The concept states that humankind will evolve into a new intelligent species. That is yet to be seen, however: current affairs indicate no such evolution. But \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bbc.com\u002Fnews\u002Fuk-scotland-49893869\" target=\"_blank\">transhumanists\u003C\u002Fa> live and\u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.forbes.com\u002Fsites\u002Fcalumchace\u002F2023\u002F02\u002F01\u002Fpioneering-transhumanism-a-conversation-with-natasha-vita-more\u002F\" target=\"_blank\"> strive among us\u003C\u002Fa>. And sometimes episodes of the series \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-future-of-our-brains-health-in-black-mirror\" target=\"_blank\">Black Mirror\u003C\u002Fa> have more links to reality than we wish. To know more, read our \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fzoltan-istvan-and-the-jesus-singularity\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">in-depth interview\u003C\u002Fa> with one of the world’s most influential transhumanists, Zoltan Istvan!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"489\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F11\u002F039_blackmirror-1.png\" alt=\"Black Mirror\" class=\"wp-image-22306\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F11\u002F039_blackmirror-1.png 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F11\u002F039_blackmirror-1-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F11\u002F039_blackmirror-1-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F11\u002F039_blackmirror-1-512x288.png 512w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>There is a variety of fields where a superhuman feature could potentially be created. And that will not be the result of a single discipline but of the \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fobamawhitehouse.archives.gov\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002Fmicrosites\u002Fostp\u002Fbioecon-%28%23%20023SUPP%29%20NSF-NBIC.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">convergence\u003C\u002Fa> of multiple scientific fields. Currently, these have a restorative focus rather than a developmental one, although each can evolve towards that in the future. \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Ffrom-human-to-cyborg\" target=\"_blank\">In this article\u003C\u002Fa>, we split the possible directions into 3 main categories:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Col class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Removable cyborg extensions\u003C\u002Fstrong> – the tools enhancing the individual can easily be put away at the end of use\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Cyborg-humans\u003C\u002Fstrong> – technologies causing lasting, but not irreversible transformation like prosthetic limbs, digital tattoos and bionic implants\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Technologies changing humans forever\u003C\u002Fstrong> – genetic editing (such as CRISPR) is the one that raises the most ethical and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-most-pressing-issues-in-bioethics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">moral questions\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>This time we categorize the possibilities for enhancements horizontally and have a look at 5 fields where human enhancements would be possible.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Brainpower\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>A microchip in the brain that will enhance our cognitive functions by a zillion – how we all could use such a thing during exams! The concept was first raised back in 1968 by architect Nicholas Negroponte at MIT, and it has come a long way since. Hacking the human brain is more difficult than we could imagine and cannot be solved with a single microchip implant. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>But Elon Musk’s \u003Cem>other\u003C\u002Fem> company, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fneuralink.com\u002Fapproach\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">Neuralink\u003C\u002Fa> aims to do just that. The idea is to have a chip implanted in one’s brain; that neural implant will let you control a computer or mobile device anywhere you go. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since Musk \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=CLUWDLKAF1M\" target=\"_blank\">presented the pigs with the implants\u003C\u002Fa> and in 2023 the company is \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theverge.com\u002F2023\u002F9\u002F19\u002F23880861\u002Fneuralink-human-clinical-trial-n1-implant\" target=\"_blank\">recruiting human candidates\u003C\u002Fa> with quadriplegia for a six-year clinical trial. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>But seeing what Elon Musk did to that poor pig, it did not at all look like the future. We at The Medical Futurist often say that before the digital health transformation, a cultural shift is inevitable. But having a neural implant somehow gives me the creeps – even if it could give me superpowers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Brain-computer interface\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>With less media hype, Synchron, a company that has developed a minimally invasive brain-computer interface is further along the way. Their implant actually has been working in at least two patients for quite a long time and has now enrolled six patients with severe quadriparesis. The current trial runs in three clinical trial sites in the US. The Synchron implant does not require open brain surgery as it is implanted in the blood vessel on the surface of the motor cortex of the brain via the jugular vein, through a minimally-invasive endovascular procedure. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"A Brain Implant That Turns Your Thoughts Into Text | Tom Oxley | TED\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002F7Fiaew7nDmE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Once implanted, it is designed to detect and wirelessly transmit motor intent out of the brain, intended to restore the capability for severely paralysed patients to control personal devices with hands-free point-and-click.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Researchers have been investigating the possibilities of brain-computer interfaces or BCIs for quite a while now. At first, these were thought to be tools on one hand to provide constant monitoring of the brain’s electrical activity; this could support a wide range of applications from monitoring epilepsy or ADHD to pain management and sleep assessment. On the other hand, the concept was thought to be a \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fhbr.org\u002F2020\u002F10\u002Fwhat-brain-computer-interfaces-could-mean-for-the-future-of-work\" target=\"_blank\">solution for paralysed people\u003C\u002Fa> to move and control things around them with only thoughts… Taking it onto the next level, such an implant could also be used as an external hard drive for the mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Enhancing cognitive performance would be able to change the lives of millions suffering from memory loss, and neurological or psychological disorders. Restorative processes like stroke rehabilitation would also gain from the technology. Or, as a matter of fact, these can help reduce the \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.frontiersin.org\u002Farticles\u002F10.3389\u002Ffnins.2020.00692\u002Ffull\" target=\"_blank\">cognitive effects of ageing\u003C\u002Fa>. No wonder there are many studies that focus on the possibilities such technology can provide \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Fpmc\u002Farticles\u002FPMC7339951\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">for seniors\u003C\u002Fa>. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Muscle strength and robotic exoskeletons\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>There is a huge cultural acceptance issue with technological solutions for restoration vs. tech for boosting performance. According to a \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogs.scientificamerican.com\u002Fobservations\u002Fwhat-americans-think-of-human-enhancement-technologies\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">study on the matter\u003C\u002Fa>, the public almost unanimously agrees with technological enhancement if it’s used for restorative purposes: 95% support physical restorative applications, and 88% support cognitive restorative applications. But when it comes to the enhancement of human capabilities for the reason of boosting performance – well, that’s a big no-no, according to the study. Only 35% of respondents agree with the concept.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Paralysed Man Completes London Marathon 2018\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FaB0pfAL6MdU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Robotic exoskeletons are also becoming more and more common. \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sciencedirect.com\u002Ftopics\u002Fengineering\u002Fexoskeleton-robotics\" target=\"_blank\">Paralyzed\u003C\u002Fa> people or those who lost a limb have now the chance to move again with such technological advancements. Certain industries like \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fdozr.com\u002Fblog\u002Fconstruction-exoskeletons\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">construction\u003C\u002Fa> also make use of the extra power robotics can give. The next step will be the \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-future-of-prosthetics-depends-on-a-i\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">AI-powered prosthesis\u003C\u002Fa>; or ones that can supplement healthy individuals with additional limbs. Not to mention a future where we \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fyoutu.be\u002FWTdfTupF7fs\" target=\"_blank\">share bodies and senses\u003C\u002Fa> with machines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>But what are advanced technologies worth if only the wealthiest can afford them? That has been the case with many exoskeletons therefore it’s so great to see \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.therobotreport.com\u002Frewalk-robotics-announces-solidified-medicare-coverage-for-personal-exoskeleton\u002F\">more and more covered by health insurance\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In 2023 October ReWalk Robotics, Inc. announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized a rule benefitting its exoskeleton technology. “Earlier this year, CMS released a proposal aiming to establish new regulatory definition of “brace.” Adding the definition of brace would expedite coverage and payment for newer technology and powered devices, according to CMS. This potentially enables faster access to the newer technologies, like those made by ReWalk and Myomo as well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The new CMS proposal includes personal exoskeletons in the Medicare benefit category for braces meaning that benefits would extend to exoskeletons which allow paralyzed patients to stand and walk. This follows a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.therobotreport.com\u002Fexoskeletons-qualify-for-direct-disability-compensation-in-germany\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">similar announcement from Germany\u003C\u002Fa> from 2022. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Enhancing the senses\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>What if technology could aid humans to have better hearing than bats? What if we could filter out the smell of urban decay and only experience pleasant odours? Or what if implants could let us see microscopic objects? Or special features, such as the heat map of an abandoned terrain? These questions led us to list how technology could help augment human senses in our previous article. One exciting example of this was the AI-supported hearing aid presented at the 2021 CES. This device features an onboard deep neural network that gives people with hearing loss a better experience. And there are many more examples of that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Supercharging human senses with \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.medgadget.com\u002F2023\u002F11\u002Fglasses-provide-audible-prompts-for-blind-wearers.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">technology for the blind\u003C\u002Fa> or the deaf are entirely feasible enhancements. When a person loses a sense, the area of the brain that was responsible for handling that sensory information does not go unused. The \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.jneurosci.org\u002Fcontent\u002F32\u002F28\u002F9626.abstract?sid=554f9c9c-ec7e-4c33-87a0-3f2416e52e24\" target=\"_blank\">brain rewires itself\u003C\u002Fa> and uses that area to process other senses. This is \u003Cem>neuroplasticity\u003C\u002Fem>, the ability of the brain to change with experience. Researchers “just” need to find out how to use this natural superpower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Temporary or long-term sensory enhancements are also not limited to the ones with certain disabilities: the technology goes beyond that. In the \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Flink.springer.com\u002Freferenceworkentry\u002F10.1007%2F978-94-007-4707-4_106\" target=\"_blank\">Handbook of Neuroethics\u003C\u002Fa>, the authors explain that the enhancement tools “\u003Cem>could be implemented in mainly two ways: either via the application of digital technology or by genetic engineering of the human body\u003C\u002Fem>.” \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ericsson.com\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002F2018\u002F7\u002Faugmented-reality-gives-us-super-human-abilities-and-a-sixth-sense\" target=\"_blank\">Augmented reality\u003C\u002Fa> just takes this realm a step further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"One-minute Challenge: Augmented Reality - The Medical Futurist\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FxUaBrgsHkPs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Augmented reality is not only \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Faugmented-reality-in-healthcare-will-be-revolutionary\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">revolutionary\u003C\u002Fa> but can also give us real superpowers. It is one of the most promising digital health technologies, from \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.timesofisrael.com\u002Fin-global-first-shaare-zedek-spine-surgeon-combines-augmented-reality-with-robotics\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">operations\u003C\u002Fa> to providing \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fyoutu.be\u002FWg6jN-audEM\" target=\"_blank\">information\u003C\u002Fa> and \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fyoutu.be\u002FPzPKdlFbvYM\" target=\"_blank\">education\u003C\u002Fa>. Heightened capabilities of our vision by AR, VR, digital contact lenses or even retina chips have been bugging the minds of researchers for the past decade. And although many of the concepts \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Ffrom-theranos-to-google-glass-the-biggest-flops-in-digital-health\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">have failed\u003C\u002Fa> (remember Google’s glass or glucose-level measuring contact lenses?), these flops don’t necessarily mean the concepts are wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Genetic engineering – a brave new world?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>A lot of research is underway in gene therapies. CRISPR editing was a huge step in this direction. While its original vision, to serve as a tool offering \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.technologyreview.com\u002F2023\u002F03\u002F07\u002F1069475\u002Fforget-designer-babies-heres-how-crispr-is-really-changing-lives\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gene therapies for patients\u003C\u002Fa> is noble and just, there is a significant, primarily moral and ethical resistance against the method. For example, researchers in Oxford’s Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.ox.ac.uk\u002Fresearch\u002Fresearch-impact\u002Frestoring-sight-gene-therapy\" target=\"_blank\">help restore eyesight\u003C\u002Fa> to patients with genetic vision defects with gene therapy, which seems acceptable as a method; while genetic engineering \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fnuffieldbioethics.org\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">on an embryo-level\u003C\u002Fa> is more of a moral issue than a scientific one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>While CRISPR therapies are still considered experimental, and none have been approved, and some even have been unsuccessful, we’ve also seen \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.technologyreview.com\u002F2023\u002F03\u002F10\u002F1069619\u002Fmore-than-200-people-treated-with-experimental-crispr-therapies\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">some success stories\u003C\u002Fa> and several \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.technologyreview.com\u002F2023\u002F10\u002F25\u002F1082306\u002Fgene-editing-crispr-hiv-experiment\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">creepier announcements\u003C\u002Fa>. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Editing DNA can become a powerful tool in the diagnosis and the treatment of diseases. The European Union is trying to add the ethical component on the first level of its scientific programme in the genetic engineering leg of its human enhancement project. \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fsienna-project.eu\u002Fgenomics\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">Sienna\u003C\u002Fa>, and other such organisations and projects also raise and include ethical issues in their projects. However, with such technologies becoming more available, cases like the creation of first \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.wsj.com\u002Farticles\u002Fhow-a-chinese-scientist-broke-the-rules-to-create-the-first-gene-edited-babies-11557506697\" target=\"_blank\">designer babies in China\u003C\u002Fa> appear. After this scandal, the WHO launched a global registry to track research on human genome editing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Transhumanists predict that with the convergence of new technologies in science, we could create healthier, smarter and stronger humans. They think it’s our duty to evolve into something beyond ourselves. But as much as I love science, my idea of a happier life does not begin with being faster and stronger. It begins with the core values of humankind: empathy, tolerance and kindness. And if we can cure something or someone with the help of science, we should do that. But my brave new world shall not take place in \u003Cem>Gattaca\u003C\u002Fem>. \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Read more about these concepts in my book \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.amazon.com\u002FMy-Health-Revolutionary-Technologies-Healthier\u002Fdp\u002F6158026107\" target=\"_blank\">My Health Upgraded\u003C\u002Fa>, elaborating on where health care and medicine is heading in the future. \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh5>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Ca class=\"img\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.amazon.com\u002FMy-Health-Revolutionary-Technologies-Healthier\u002Fdp\u002F6158026107\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F05\u002Flive-better-with-technology-myhealthupgraded-promo-768x350.png\" alt=\"Live better using technology - Buy My Health Upgraded\" class=\"wp-image-13211\"\u002F\u003C\u002Fa srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F05\u002Flive-better-with-technology-myhealthupgraded-promo-768x350.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F05\u002Flive-better-with-technology-myhealthupgraded-promo-512x233.png 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F05\u002Flive-better-with-technology-myhealthupgraded-promo.png 870w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Get it on Amazon\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":940,"protected":16},"\u003Cp>Enhancing human capabilities has been on the mind of people for ages, but superhumans came a long way from ancient training methods to exoskeletons. \u003C\u002Fp>\n",32183,{"_acf_changed":16,"footnotes":64},[944,230,5,945,946,421,947,948,949,231,328,692,584,950,69],6261,511,500,798,491,488,515,[952,953,954,955,956],1120,1332,6525,231,639,[80,441],[],[960,961,449,962,593,963,964,831,965],3347,1571,1681,2017,2215,2541,[967,53,91,92,93,94,95,968,244,97,969,970,452,971,972,973,245,339,719,598,974,98,975,976,977,978,979,107,470],"post-32197","category-forecast","category-bioethics","category-biotechnology","category-digital-health-research","category-empowered-patients","category-genomics","category-science-fiction","tag-bci","tag-transhumanism","tag-neuralink","tag-exoskeleton","tag-brain-computer-interface",{"id":941,"alt_text":64,"caption":64,"description":981,"media_type":110,"media_details":982,"post":999,"source_url":1000},"Becoming superhuman ",{"width":474,"height":475,"file":983,"sizes":984,"image_meta":998},"2021\u002F01\u002Ftmf_article_236-01.png",{"medium":985,"large":988,"thumbnail":991,"medium_large":994,"1536x1536":995},{"file":986,"width":480,"height":481,"mime-type":121,"source_url":987},"tmf_article_236-01-370x208.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F01\u002Ftmf_article_236-01-370x208.png",{"file":989,"width":485,"height":486,"mime-type":121,"source_url":990},"tmf_article_236-01-768x432.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F01\u002Ftmf_article_236-01-768x432.png",{"file":992,"width":490,"height":490,"mime-type":121,"source_url":993},"tmf_article_236-01-150x150.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F01\u002Ftmf_article_236-01-150x150.png",{"file":989,"width":485,"height":486,"mime-type":121,"source_url":990},{"file":996,"width":495,"height":496,"mime-type":121,"source_url":997},"tmf_article_236-01-1536x864.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F01\u002Ftmf_article_236-01-1536x864.png",{"aperture":143,"credit":64,"camera":64,"caption":64,"created_timestamp":143,"copyright":64,"focal_length":143,"iso":143,"shutter_speed":143,"title":64,"orientation":143},32095,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F01\u002Ftmf_article_236-01.png",{"cta_type":147,"cta_color":64,"subtitle":64,"related_posts_footer":1002,"related_posts":16,"related_books":1006,"key_takeaways":1009},[1003,1004,1005],53187,52933,53089,[1007,1008,150],24765,24764,[1010,1012,1014],{"title":1011},"\u003Cp>Human enhancement has evolved from ancient methods to advanced technologies like exoskeletons and genetic editing, blurring the lines between science fiction and reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":1013},"\u003Cp>Current advancements in human enhancement, such as brain-computer interfaces and sensory augmentation, promise to revolutionize not just health but everyday human capabilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":1015},"\u003Cp>The ethical and philosophical considerations of human enhancement, especially in transhumanism, highlight the need to balance technological progress with fundamental human values and moral.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp> \u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"yoast_wpseo_title":936,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":1017,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":934},"Enhancing human capabilities has been on the mind of people for ages, but superhumans came a long way from ancient training methods to exoskeletons.",{"self":1019,"collection":1024,"about":1026,"author":1028,"replies":1030,"version-history":1033,"predecessor-version":1037,"wp:featuredmedia":1041,"wp:attachment":1044,"wp:term":1047,"curies":1058},[1020],{"href":1021,"targetHints":1022},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F32197",{"allow":1023},[27],[1025],{"href":171},[1027],{"href":174},[1029],{"embeddable":41,"href":372},[1031],{"embeddable":41,"href":1032},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=32197",[1034],{"count":1035,"href":1036},45,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F32197\u002Frevisions",[1038],{"id":1039,"href":1040},53721,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F32197\u002Frevisions\u002F53721",[1042],{"embeddable":41,"href":1043},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F32183",[1045],{"href":1046},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=32197",[1048,1050,1052,1054,1056],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":41,"href":1049},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=32197",{"taxonomy":199,"embeddable":41,"href":1051},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=32197",{"taxonomy":202,"embeddable":41,"href":1053},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=32197",{"taxonomy":205,"embeddable":41,"href":1055},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=32197",{"taxonomy":208,"embeddable":41,"href":1057},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=32197",[1059],{"name":39,"href":40,"templated":41},{"id":1061,"date":1062,"date_gmt":1063,"guid":1064,"modified":1066,"modified_gmt":1067,"slug":1068,"status":52,"type":53,"link":1069,"title":1070,"content":1072,"excerpt":1074,"author":325,"featured_media":1076,"comment_status":63,"ping_status":63,"sticky":41,"template":64,"format":65,"meta":1077,"categories":1078,"tags":1079,"project_category":1087,"contact_email_category":1088,"yst_prominent_words":1089,"class_list":1096,"better_featured_image":1105,"acf":1129,"yoast_meta":1137,"_links":1139},21997,"2022-07-28T10:00:00","2022-07-28T08:00:00",{"rendered":1065},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F","2022-07-24T10:28:29","2022-07-24T08:28:29","futuristic-forward-looking-and-fun-the-curiscope-virtuali-tee-review","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Ffuturistic-forward-looking-and-fun-the-curiscope-virtuali-tee-review",{"rendered":1071},"Looking Inside Your Body In 3D – The Curiscope Virtuali-tee Review",{"rendered":1073,"protected":16},"\n\n\n\u003Cp>We first \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=VXBks60oKw4\" target=\"_blank\">reviewed the Curiscope Virtuali-tee\u003C\u002Fa> a few years ago and found it futuristic, forward-looking and fun. Whenever these three attributes characterise a technology, we know it’s a jackpot. The Virtuali-tee Human Body T-shirt created by Curiscope has all three qualifiers – and one more. It’s our secret weapon for blowing people’s minds with augmented reality. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Four years have passed since we first laid on hands on it, so it was time to take another look at it and see if our opinions have changed. Spoiler alert: no, we still like it. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The World’s Coolest T-Shirt Shows Your Organs! - The Medical Futurist\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FVwuKK_B4y6M?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>What is it? The T-shirt and the accompanying app show colorful human organs and animations to help visualise how our bodies work. The 3D images look so real that physicians often ask Dr. Meskó if these are really his insides. No, they are not. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003C!--more-->\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Turning abstract biological concepts into magic\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The UK-based company, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fthemedicalfuturist.us8.list-manage.com\u002Ftrack\u002Fclick?u=5b42ebb547c75ff669a6572d3&id=e27e250dc5&e=d647e4d78c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Curiscope\u003C\u002Fa> creates immersive learning experiences in virtual and augmented reality. They developed the Virtuali-tee T-shirt, through which you can see the inner parts of the human body through realistic holograms. Virtuali-tee brings anatomy to life to such a point of illusion which already presents Arthur C. Clarke’s famous third law. “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Ed Barton, CEO and Co-founder of Curiscope, told The Medical Futurist at the time of our first review that they started the company with the belief that AR would let humans re-imagine how they learn difficult scientific concepts. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>“\u003Cem>Biology and natural sciences at school just seemed so complex and abstract that they felt hard to relate to. As an adult, I realise how ridiculous that is, but as a child, I really struggled to get into them\u003C\u002Fem>,” he said. The Virtuali-tee is their attempt at compensating for that by offering students as well as adults the option of learning about the human body without the need for a cadaver.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The incredibly popular teaching tool is already present in over a thousand schools and more than a hundred countries. Curiscope’s biggest markets are English-speaking countries (US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada), but it is also popular in Brazil and Germany. Virtuali-tee is already available in several languages: English, German, Spanish, Italian, Korean, and Chinese.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-22004\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"489\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F10\u002FVirtuali-Tee-Shirt.jpg\" alt=\"Virtuali-tee Review\" class=\"wp-image-22004\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F10\u002FVirtuali-Tee-Shirt.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F10\u002FVirtuali-Tee-Shirt-370x208.jpg 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F10\u002FVirtuali-Tee-Shirt-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F10\u002FVirtuali-Tee-Shirt-512x288.jpg 512w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>Source: www.egitimdevr.com\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>How does the Virtuali-tee work?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>You have the option to order the T-shirt in multiple colors and sizes for adults and kids – but for \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.techagekids.com\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fcuriscope-virtuali-tee-human-body-t.html\" target=\"_blank\">one reviewer\u003C\u002Fa>, the child sizing turned out to be smaller than expected so you may need to order one size up to be on the safe side. Dr. Meskó bought an adult T-shirt, and he had no size-related trouble. Upon having received the T-shirt and having the app downloaded – with a remarkably user-friendly interface -, it is fairly easy to use.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>The sign on the T-shirt is a QR code. When the user points the camera of the accompanying smartphone to the skeletal pattern worn by another person while the app is open, the app detects it and starts an anatomy animation\u003C\u002Fstrong>. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>However, you have to be careful that the T-shirt is not creased because the app cannot recognise the code then. Also, it does not work from very long distances – pointing the phone to the T-shirt works best from a maximum of two steps backward; and it loses the connection fairly quickly if you aim with your device in other directions than the T-shirt itself. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Nevertheless, the app works if you switch your smartphone to ‘selfie-mode’ so you can wear the T-shirt, hold out your hands with the phone and see the AR-organs. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Virtuali-tee works with many types of Android and iOS smartphones, tablets or other platforms – and for a more genuine experience, you can also try it with a VR headset.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"My Organs In Augmented Reality! - The Medical Futurist\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FVXBks60oKw4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Get into the virtual intestines\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The real adventures begin when you open the app and start seeing organs. First and foremost, you will meet Hans Glover, a holographic guide to the body. Ed Barton told The Medical Futurist that “\u003Cem>it was built around the idea of hands eventually becoming your AR interaction device.\u003C\u002Fem> ‘Hands’ became ‘Hans’ and with an open body nearby, he had to be wearing gloves. Hence ending up on our wacky doctor name, Hans Glover. \u003Cem>He’s an animated character that serves as your guide, important in AR where often information is best delivered through audio.\u003C\u002Fem> Funnily, he has a bit of an accent, so we have a lot of people confusing him with Die Hard super-villain Hans Gruber.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>He indeed has an accent, which Curiscope might need to reconsider if it wants children to pay attention to their content more – they might use the app for longer if Hans Glover didn’t have the accent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, \u003Cstrong>the app works smoothly – you can go through the anatomy of the digestive, respiratory, skeletal, renal,\u003C\u002Fstrong> and circulatory systems, get into the intestines or inside the blood vessels, and \u003Cstrong>learn and read a lot about their workings\u003C\u002Fstrong>. Moreover, Curiscope supports teachers with a printable QR code and free lesson plans including the Virtuali-tee. Go STEM students and teachers!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Curiscope Virtuali-Tee: Bring Learning to Life with this Augmented Reality T-Shirt\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FZ19NV4wsw2M?start=2&feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Watch your heart beating live in AR!\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>An incredibly cool feature of the Virtuali-tee lets users \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.vrfocus.com\u002F2018\u002F07\u002Fvirtuali-tee-launches-new-heart-rate-tracking-feature\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">track their heart rate\u003C\u002Fa> and watch their heart beating live. It’s not the T-shirt, but the smartphone which is monitoring the heart rate – by using the camera\u003C\u002Fstrong>. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The technology involves a technique called Contact Photoplethysmography (yeah, it’s challenging to pronounce it). It measures the amount of light absorbed by the body: more blood absorbs more light, so as your heart beats and your blood pressure rises, your organs take in more light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Using a version of this technique, it is possible for the smartphone camera and Curiscope app to track the user’s heart rate in the same way, by having the user place a fingertip on the camera lens. The image is then sampled and analysed until a regular pattern is established, and the animation can be started to tie it into the wearer’s heartbeat. It’s simply mind-boggling!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-22006\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"870\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F10\u002FHeart-Beating.jpg\" alt=\"Virtuali-tee Review\" class=\"wp-image-22006\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F10\u002FHeart-Beating.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F10\u002FHeart-Beating-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F10\u002FHeart-Beating-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F10\u002FHeart-Beating-512x512.jpg 512w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>Source: www.curiscope.co.uk\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>What does the future hold?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In the future, simulation tools will be widespread in healthcare. With their help, \u003Cstrong>medical students will learn anatomy, doctors can prepare for complex surgeries, and frightened patients will understand better what will happen to their bodies in the OR\u003C\u002Fstrong>. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #eee; border-top: 4px solid #444;\" cellpadding=\"10px\">\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd style=\"width: 100%;\">\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>At The Medical Futurist, we are building a community for making a bold vision about the future of healthcare reality today.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FFIbMejImnxs\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\">\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003Cp>If you’d like to support this mission, we invite you to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\">join The Medical Futurist Patreon Community\u003C\u002Fa>. A community of empowered patients, future-oriented healthcare professionals, concerned health policymakers, sensible health tech developers, and enthusiastic medical students. If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our research and sustains our future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\">\u003Cstrong style=\"background-color: #e71d3299; color: #000;\">Click here to support The Medical Futurist from as little as $3\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa> – it only takes a minute. Thank you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Ftd>\n\u003C\u002Ftr>\n\u003C\u002Ftbody>\n\u003C\u002Ftable>\n\u003Cp> \u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":1075,"protected":16},"\u003Cp>Futuristic, forward-looking and fun. Whenever these three attributes characterize a technology, we know it’s a jackpot. The Virtuali-tee Human Body T-shirt created by Curiscope has all three qualifiers – and one more. It’s our secret weapon for blowing people’s minds with augmented reality. The T-shirt and the accompanying app show colorful human organs, animations, and the entire 3D image looks so real that physicians often ask Dr. Meskó if these are really his insides. No, they are not. Read our Virtuali-tee review to understand why.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",46912,{"_acf_changed":16,"footnotes":64},[5,692],[75,1080,427,1081,430,1082,433,434,1083,1084,1085,1086,78],572,623,818,304,308,313,141,[702,440],[],[1090,1091,1092,1093,1094,336,1095,706,831],3271,3293,3537,3711,1597,1741,[1097,53,91,92,93,94,95,97,719,103,1098,457,1099,460,1100,463,464,1101,1102,1103,1104,106,727,469],"post-21997","tag-stem","tag-review","tag-meded","tag-medical","tag-medical-education","tag-medicine","tag-anatomy",{"id":1076,"alt_text":1106,"caption":64,"description":1107,"media_type":110,"media_details":1108,"post":1061,"source_url":1128},"augmented reality t-shirt showing organs","TMF virtuali-tee augmented reality AR virtual",{"width":474,"height":475,"file":1109,"sizes":1110,"image_meta":1127},"2022\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_virtuali-tee.png",{"medium":1111,"large":1114,"thumbnail":1117,"medium_large":1120,"1536x1536":1121,"2048x2048":1124},{"file":1112,"width":480,"height":481,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1113},"tmf_article_virtuali-tee-370x208.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_virtuali-tee-370x208.png",{"file":1115,"width":485,"height":486,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1116},"tmf_article_virtuali-tee-768x432.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_virtuali-tee-768x432.png",{"file":1118,"width":490,"height":490,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1119},"tmf_article_virtuali-tee-150x150.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_virtuali-tee-150x150.png",{"file":1115,"width":485,"height":486,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1116},{"file":1122,"width":495,"height":496,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1123},"tmf_article_virtuali-tee-1536x864.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_virtuali-tee-1536x864.png",{"file":1125,"width":500,"height":501,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1126},"tmf_article_virtuali-tee-2048x1152.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_virtuali-tee-2048x1152.png",{"aperture":143,"credit":64,"camera":64,"caption":64,"created_timestamp":143,"copyright":64,"focal_length":143,"iso":143,"shutter_speed":143,"title":64,"orientation":143},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_virtuali-tee.png",{"related_posts":1130,"related_posts_footer":1133,"cta_type":64,"cta_color":64,"subtitle":64,"related_books":16},[807,1131,1132],16226,14229,[1134,1135,1136],21271,21958,21160,{"yoast_wpseo_title":1071,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":1138,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":1069},"The Virtuali-tee T-shirt and the app show colorful human organs and animations, to help visualize how our bodies work. We reviewed the tech and liked it.",{"self":1140,"collection":1145,"about":1147,"author":1149,"replies":1151,"version-history":1154,"predecessor-version":1158,"wp:featuredmedia":1162,"wp:attachment":1165,"wp:term":1168,"curies":1179},[1141],{"href":1142,"targetHints":1143},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F21997",{"allow":1144},[27],[1146],{"href":171},[1148],{"href":174},[1150],{"embeddable":41,"href":372},[1152],{"embeddable":41,"href":1153},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=21997",[1155],{"count":1156,"href":1157},23,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F21997\u002Frevisions",[1159],{"id":1160,"href":1161},46937,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F21997\u002Frevisions\u002F46937",[1163],{"embeddable":41,"href":1164},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F46912",[1166],{"href":1167},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=21997",[1169,1171,1173,1175,1177],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":41,"href":1170},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=21997",{"taxonomy":199,"embeddable":41,"href":1172},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=21997",{"taxonomy":202,"embeddable":41,"href":1174},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=21997",{"taxonomy":205,"embeddable":41,"href":1176},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=21997",{"taxonomy":208,"embeddable":41,"href":1178},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=21997",[1180],{"name":39,"href":40,"templated":41},{"id":1182,"date":1183,"date_gmt":1184,"guid":1185,"modified":1187,"modified_gmt":1188,"slug":1189,"status":52,"type":53,"link":1190,"title":1191,"content":1193,"excerpt":1195,"author":325,"featured_media":1197,"comment_status":63,"ping_status":63,"sticky":41,"template":64,"format":65,"meta":1198,"categories":1199,"tags":1201,"project_category":1211,"contact_email_category":1212,"yst_prominent_words":1213,"class_list":1221,"better_featured_image":1233,"acf":1262,"yoast_meta":1269,"_links":1272},45277,"2022-05-17T10:00:00","2022-05-17T08:00:00",{"rendered":1186},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=45277&_wpnonce=0d47e4a195&status=auto-draft&type=post","2022-05-17T09:35:43","2022-05-17T07:35:43","not-in-vein-the-aimvein-pro2-0-vein-finder-review","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fnot-in-vein-the-aimvein-pro2-0-vein-finder-review",{"rendered":1192},"Not In Vein – The Aimvein Pro2.0 Vein Finder Review",{"rendered":1194,"protected":16},"\n\u003Cp>Phlebotomy – drawing blood of a patient – has been practised for centuries and is still one of the most commonly used invasive procedures in medicine. Although the process seems simple enough, it actually carries some risks for both patients and health workers. In fact, WHO has a 125-page guideline – summarising the ‘simple, but important steps’ which can make phlebotomy safe and can contribute to the proper quality of the specimen, prevent laboratory errors, and minimise patient or healthcare workers’ injuries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Drawing blood from a healthy, young, well-hydrated patient is rarely a challenge to a professional. On the other hand, older, dehydrated patients with their sunken or collapsed veins might make even the most experienced phlebotomist sweat a little. And giving it a second, third, and fourth go is a stressful experience to both parties. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Here is where devices like the Aimvein Pro Vein Finder can shine. We recently got one of these and tested how it works. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Testing a Vein Scanner!! - The Medical Futurist\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FiLkfDE3Gg8s?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is in the box?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Besides the handheld, quite lightweight scanner itself, the box includes a user manual, a charger\u002Fpower cable, a skin marker, a remote controller and a laminated card to standardise the device before use. As one of the commenters noted under our youtube video, some kind of mount would be useful allowing phlebotomists to have both hands free. It is a fair point, but we also have to note that we tested the portable version of the device.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"513\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F05\u002Fvein-scanner-1-768x513.jpg\" alt=\"Aimvein Pro2.0 Vein Finder scanner TMF device test review\" class=\"wp-image-45287\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F05\u002Fvein-scanner-1-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F05\u002Fvein-scanner-1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F05\u002Fvein-scanner-1-2048x1367.jpg 2048w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F05\u002Fvein-scanner-1.jpg 1618w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Checking the company’s website, we saw that the handsfree solution exists. The slightly more expensive model (Pro 2.0 Plus) looks a bit like a table lamp with its adjustable stand. The third version, Go 2.0 with a mobile trolley has a hefty price tag, and looks like it is aimed for hospital use. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does the vein finder work?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The vein scanner uses near-ultra red light to highlight blood vessels, the light is safe on the eyes. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>I have to say, using it is pretty intuitive. After turning on the scanner, you can select from seven different light colours, making sure you get easy-to-read results regardless of the skin tone\u002Fskin colour of the patient. There are two image modes, normal and inverse. Standardisation is straightforward, as are the readings. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1150\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F05\u002Fvein-scanner-4-768x1150.jpg\" alt=\"Aimvein Pro2.0 Vein Finder scanner device test review TMF\" class=\"wp-image-45283\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F05\u002Fvein-scanner-4-768x1150.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F05\u002Fvein-scanner-4-1025x1536.jpg 1025w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F05\u002Fvein-scanner-4-1367x2048.jpg 1367w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F05\u002Fvein-scanner-4.jpg 721w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>We tested the vein finder – without drawing blood of course – on every human being turning up at The Medical Futurist Headquarters in the past two weeks. It provided very clear visuals on everyone. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>According to the specifications, the battery provides about 2.5 hours of use with one charge. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Costs and use cases\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Vein scanners \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fvein-scanners-examples-for-disruption\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">have been with us for a while\u003C\u002Fa>, but their steep price prevented them from becoming mainstream. To be honest, this has not changed a lot. The tested device is slightly under $2,000 at the moment – maybe not entirely out of the question for a large hospital, but certainly not cheap. And this is the most affordable one from this product line. So strictly in financial terms, I believe we still have to wait a bit until these gadgets will be seen everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"513\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F05\u002Fvein-scanner-3-768x513.jpg\" alt=\"Aimvein Pro2.0 Vein Finder scanner device test review TMF\" class=\"wp-image-45285\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F05\u002Fvein-scanner-3-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F05\u002Fvein-scanner-3-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F05\u002Fvein-scanner-3-2048x1367.jpg 2048w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F05\u002Fvein-scanner-3.jpg 1618w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>If you ask me who it is good for, that is an entirely different question. It would be useful in laboratories, inpatient wards, chronic wards and so on – healthcare is full of places and practices where phlebotomy is done on a daily basis. These practices often see many dehydrated or phlebotomy-wise challenging patients. As one device can be used by more professionals, the capacities of scanners can be utilised well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":1196,"protected":16},"\u003Cp>Vein scanner, a handheld device helping a nurse or a phlebotomist to find the right vein to take your blood sample for the first try.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",45289,{"_acf_changed":16,"footnotes":64},[68,5,231,1200],497,[1081,1202,1203,1204,1205,1206,1207,1208,1209,1210],7473,7573,202,7575,249,552,554,555,6419,[],[],[444,238,1214,1215,1216,1217,1218,1219,1220],1803,2465,2877,3605,3841,4439,5819,[1222,53,91,92,93,94,95,96,97,245,1223,1099,1224,1225,1226,1227,1228,1229,1230,1231,1232],"post-45277","category-portable-diagnostics","tag-vein-scanner","tag-vein-finder","tag-device","tag-aimvein","tag-gadget","tag-vein-scanners","tag-phlebotomy","tag-blood-draw","tag-medgadget",{"id":1197,"alt_text":1234,"caption":64,"description":1234,"media_type":110,"media_details":1235,"post":1182,"source_url":1261},"Aimvein Pro2.0 Vein Finder scanner device test review TMF",{"width":1236,"height":475,"file":1237,"sizes":1238,"image_meta":1259},1618,"2022\u002F05\u002Fvein-scanner6.jpg",{"medium":1239,"large":1243,"thumbnail":1247,"medium_large":1250,"1536x1536":1251,"2048x2048":1255},{"file":1240,"width":480,"height":481,"mime-type":1241,"source_url":1242},"vein-scanner6-370x208.jpg","image\u002Fjpeg","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F05\u002Fvein-scanner6-370x208.jpg",{"file":1244,"width":485,"height":1245,"mime-type":1241,"source_url":1246},"vein-scanner6-768x513.jpg","513","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F05\u002Fvein-scanner6-768x513.jpg",{"file":1248,"width":490,"height":490,"mime-type":1241,"source_url":1249},"vein-scanner6-150x150.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F05\u002Fvein-scanner6-150x150.jpg",{"file":1244,"width":485,"height":1245,"mime-type":1241,"source_url":1246},{"file":1252,"width":495,"height":1253,"mime-type":1241,"source_url":1254},"vein-scanner6-1536x1025.jpg","1025","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F05\u002Fvein-scanner6-1536x1025.jpg",{"file":1256,"width":500,"height":1257,"mime-type":1241,"source_url":1258},"vein-scanner6-2048x1367.jpg","1367","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F05\u002Fvein-scanner6-2048x1367.jpg",{"aperture":143,"credit":64,"camera":64,"caption":64,"created_timestamp":143,"copyright":1260,"focal_length":143,"iso":143,"shutter_speed":143,"title":64,"orientation":143},"www.zoltaiandras.com","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F05\u002Fvein-scanner6.jpg",{"cta_type":147,"cta_color":64,"subtitle":64,"related_books":1263,"related_posts_footer":1265,"related_posts":16},[149,1007,1264],34151,[1266,1267,1268],26419,44579,31683,{"yoast_wpseo_title":1270,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":1271,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":1190},"Not In Vein - The Aimvein Pro2.0 Vein Finder Review - The Medical Futurist","Vein scanners are handheld devices helping a nurse or a phlebotomist to find the right vein to take your blood sample for the first try.",{"self":1273,"collection":1278,"about":1280,"author":1282,"replies":1284,"version-history":1287,"predecessor-version":1291,"wp:featuredmedia":1295,"wp:attachment":1298,"wp:term":1301,"curies":1312},[1274],{"href":1275,"targetHints":1276},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F45277",{"allow":1277},[27],[1279],{"href":171},[1281],{"href":174},[1283],{"embeddable":41,"href":372},[1285],{"embeddable":41,"href":1286},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=45277",[1288],{"count":1289,"href":1290},17,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F45277\u002Frevisions",[1292],{"id":1293,"href":1294},45441,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F45277\u002Frevisions\u002F45441",[1296],{"embeddable":41,"href":1297},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F45289",[1299],{"href":1300},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=45277",[1302,1304,1306,1308,1310],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":41,"href":1303},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=45277",{"taxonomy":199,"embeddable":41,"href":1305},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=45277",{"taxonomy":202,"embeddable":41,"href":1307},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=45277",{"taxonomy":205,"embeddable":41,"href":1309},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=45277",{"taxonomy":208,"embeddable":41,"href":1311},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=45277",[1313],{"name":39,"href":40,"templated":41},{"id":1315,"date":1316,"date_gmt":1317,"guid":1318,"modified":1320,"modified_gmt":1321,"slug":1322,"status":52,"type":53,"link":1323,"title":1324,"content":1326,"excerpt":1328,"author":61,"featured_media":1330,"comment_status":63,"ping_status":63,"sticky":41,"template":64,"format":65,"meta":1331,"categories":1332,"tags":1333,"project_category":1337,"contact_email_category":1338,"yst_prominent_words":1339,"class_list":1343,"better_featured_image":1348,"acf":1367,"yoast_meta":1373,"_links":1376},39957,"2022-03-03T10:00:00","2022-03-03T09:00:00",{"rendered":1319},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=39957&_wpnonce=73a81c3423&status=auto-draft&type=post","2022-03-11T09:36:37","2022-03-11T08:36:37","how-the-metaverse-could-or-could-not-transform-healthcare","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fhow-the-metaverse-could-or-could-not-transform-healthcare",{"rendered":1325},"How The Metaverse Could (Or Could Not) Transform Healthcare",{"rendered":1327,"protected":16},"\n\u003Cp>If you’ve browsed the internet in the last couple of months, the term ‘metaverse’ is likely to have been thrown at you at least once. Facebook \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fabout.fb.com\u002Fnews\u002F2021\u002F10\u002Ffacebook-company-is-now-meta\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">rebranded itself\u003C\u002Fa> after the concept and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fnews.microsoft.com\u002Finnovation-stories\u002Fmesh-for-microsoft-teams\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">other companies\u003C\u002Fa> are adopting the metaverse with their own spin; betting heavily that it will be the next iteration of the internet where we will work and play alike. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As healthcare increasingly incorporates an online segment in the digital health era, one cannot help but wonder how – or even if – this touted future of the internet will influence this sphere. As such, we decided to step into the metaverse and contemplate how it can factor in healthcare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>What is the metaverse?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This is a tricky question as there is not a general consensus on the definition of metaverse. Microsoft \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fnews.microsoft.com\u002Finnovation-stories\u002Fmesh-for-microsoft-teams\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">calls it\u003C\u002Fa> “a persistent digital world that is inhabited by digital twins of people, places and things”; while Mark Zuckerberg \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fabout.fb.com\u002Fnews\u002F2021\u002F10\u002Ffacebook-company-is-now-meta\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">says that\u003C\u002Fa> in the metaverse, “you’ll be able to do almost anything you can imagine”.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"What is Microsoft's Metaverse?\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FQw6UCwCt4bE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The term ‘metaverse’ itself isn’t totally new. It was first coined by author Neal Stephenson in his classic sci-fi book \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fbook\u002Fshow\u002F40651883-snow-crash\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cem>Snow Crash\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fa> published in 1992. In it, the Metaverse represents a virtual reality (VR)-based successor to the internet which is populated by users’ virtual avatars. There have been other depictions of such an internet successor such as the OASIS in \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fbook\u002Fshow\u002F9969571-ready-player-one\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cem>Ready Player One\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fa>; but they are similar in that they represent a new, more interactive way for people to interact online in a thriving, VR-enabled virtual world with its own economy and communities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Some would argue that metaverses \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bloomberg.com\u002Fnews\u002Fnewsletters\u002F2022-02-11\u002Fthe-metaverse-makes-no-sense-and-here-s-why\" target=\"_blank\">have been around for decades\u003C\u002Fa> if one is to go by the virtual world concept. \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fsecondlife.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cem>Second Life\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fa>, launched in 2003, is an example; while others like \u003Cem>Roblox \u003C\u002Fem>and \u003Cem>Fortnite\u003C\u002Fem> are often considered as “\u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fspectrum.ieee.org\u002Fmetaverse-second-life\" target=\"_blank\">proto-metaverses\u003C\u002Fa>”. But the main idea that Big Tech is pushing forward is extending activities that we are already performing in real life to the digital one more seamlessly, where franchises from Marvel to \u003Cem>The Lord of the Rings\u003C\u002Fem> intermingle and where people smoothly go to work and entertain themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>What the metaverse would look like in a healthcare setting\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Traditional access to the metaverse has been depicted through a VR headset; and this is exactly what Meta envisions with \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gamesindustry.biz\u002Farticles\u002F2021-12-03-oculus-quest-to-rebrand-as-meta-quest-in-2022\" target=\"_blank\">its rebranded Meta Quest arm\u003C\u002Fa>, which develops VR hardware and software. Going by VR alone, the approach holds \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F5-ways-medical-vr-is-changing-healthcare\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">tremendous potential in healthcare\u003C\u002Fa>. There is a growing number of studies that already point to VR as being a beneficial, drug-free alternative for therapeutic pathways, whether it’s in \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.stgeorges.nhs.uk\u002Fnewsitem\u002Fvr-headsets-relaxing-patients-during-surgery-at-st-georges\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">reducing post-surgical pain\u003C\u002Fa>, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fvirtual-reality-help-women-get-through-childbirth-with-less-pain\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">making childbirth less painful\u003C\u002Fa> or \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.apa.org\u002Fmonitor\u002Fjulaug05\u002Fcure\" target=\"_blank\">treating phobias\u003C\u002Fa>. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"One-Minute Challenge: Virtual Reality - The Medical Futurist\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FIVfmkds2PcQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>However, this is different from the concept of the metaverse. In the latter, instead of using a VR headset only for therapy, one would meet their therapist through the device as a digital avatar; have their consultation held in a virtual office; and can even head to a virtual pharmacy to order their prescription medicine (or VR app). Following that, they can meet up with fellow patient communities to share, in their avatar form, their treatment progress; and discuss new developments pertinent to their ailments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This offers a case to enhance the user experience as compared to online patient forums or current telemedical visits which happen through a flat screen. As such visits \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fcovid-19-was-needed-for-telemedicine-to-finally-go-mainstream\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">have become commonplace\u003C\u002Fa>, equipping them with a better interface could entice healthcare providers to extend their services to the metaverse. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Moreover, with the interconnectedness that seems to be integral to this “new internet”, a patient’s digital avatar \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.techtimes.com\u002Farticles\u002F271630\u002F20220209\u002Fmetaverse-and-healthcare-what-s-in-it-for-you.htm\">will carry their digital medical\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.techtimes.com\u002Farticles\u002F271630\u002F20220209\u002Fmetaverse-and-healthcare-what-s-in-it-for-you.htm\" target=\"_blank\"> \u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.techtimes.com\u002Farticles\u002F271630\u002F20220209\u002Fmetaverse-and-healthcare-what-s-in-it-for-you.htm\">data\u003C\u002Fa> collected from direct-to-consumer services and wearables – essentially any digital data – and can more easily share them to their physician in the healthcare metaverse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Is providing healthcare in the metaverse feasible?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As enticing as the prospect of extending healthcare to the metaverse sounds, we must consider its feasibility. The sheer volume of personal health data that will be involved represents \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fyour-privacy-in-the-digital-health-era-the-medical-futurists-guide\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">a security and privacy concern\u003C\u002Fa>. One technology that has been touted to address such concerns is \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fwhat-the-hell-is-blockchain-what-does-it-mean-for-healthcare-and-pharma\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">blockchain\u003C\u002Fa>. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Companies like \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.burstiq.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">BurstIQ\u003C\u002Fa> are already leveraging this technology to \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.techtimes.com\u002Farticles\u002F271630\u002F20220209\u002Fmetaverse-and-healthcare-what-s-in-it-for-you.htm\" target=\"_blank\">assist healthcare institutions\u003C\u002Fa> in addressing healthcare themes such as risk assessment, patient engagement and secure handling of personal health data. Having a transparent approach to handling such sensitive information can help build trust for patients to head to the metaverse for medical purposes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>However, implementing this approach will represent a challenge of its own. Current metaverse contenders like \u003Cem>Fortnight \u003C\u002Fem>and \u003Cem>Roblox \u003C\u002Fem>aren’t interoperable, neither is Meta’s \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.oculus.com\u002Fexperiences\u002Fquest\u002F2532035600194083\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u003Cem>Horizon Worlds\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fa> with Microsoft’s \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fnews.microsoft.com\u002Finnovation-stories\u002Fmesh-for-microsoft-teams\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u003Cem>Mesh\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fa>. One cannot bring content obtained, bought or created in \u003Cem>Roblox \u003C\u002Fem>to \u003Cem>Horizon Worlds \u003C\u002Fem>and vice versa; and this goes against the concept of the metaverse in the first place. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Given how healthcare and electronic health systems have \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.healthcareitnews.com\u002Fnews\u002Finteroperability-where-its-headed-and-where-it-leaders-will-be-investing\" target=\"_blank\">a notorious legacy of interoperability issues\u003C\u002Fa>, thinking that the metaverse will take those woes away might be a pipedream. Already we are seeing separate visions and differing versions of the metaverse from Big Tech that don’t talk with each other, leading us to think in terms of ‘metaverses’ instead of a single interoperable metaverse. These \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bloomberg.com\u002Fnews\u002Fnewsletters\u002F2022-02-11\u002Fthe-metaverse-makes-no-sense-and-here-s-why\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">logistics issues\u003C\u002Fa> cannot be taken lightly, especially when it comes to healthcare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>On top of that comes practical issues with access to and handling VR headsets that pose as enablers of the metaverse. At $300, the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.oculus.com\u002Fquest-2\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Meta Quest 2\u003C\u002Fa> is arguably the most affordable way to get quality VR content. But even that price, significantly lower than other competitors’ headsets, might be a barrier to access the metaverse. Even those who adopt such a device might encounter other hurdles with the setting up the device; or simply having a 500g load strapped to one’s forehead might not be totally comfortable for extended periods of time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>It’s so much easier to communicate with people through phones and\u002For social media sites that envisioning all this happening in the metaverse seems like a far-fetched sci-fi idea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>When life imitates art…\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>It should not be forgotten that metaverse concepts from sources like \u003Cem>Snow Crash \u003C\u002Fem>and \u003Cem>Ready Player One\u003C\u002Fem>, which have clearly inspired Big tech, are set in a dystopian backdrop. And these might be drawing eerie parallels in the real-life metaverses. There have already been \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.technologyreview.com\u002F2021\u002F12\u002F16\u002F1042516\u002Fthe-metaverse-has-a-groping-problem\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">reports of sexual harrasments\u003C\u002Fa> in Meta’s Horizon Worlds app and other online virtual worlds. If tech companies cannot ensure a safe place in the metaverse at such an early stage, it raises questions as to how they will ensure it when (or if) more people engage with the platform. This does not paint a very promising picture of the internet’s so-called successor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>However, the recent push for the metaverse felt nothing like an organic move. The Facebook Company’s rebranding to Meta might very well have been a diversion tactic following \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bbc.co.uk\u002Fnews\u002Ftechnology-58784615\" target=\"_blank\">years of bad press\u003C\u002Fa>. And by betting on and overhyping something as vague as the metaverse and keeping it so \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fez.substack.com\u002Fp\u002Fmark-zuckerberg-is-a-liar-and-hes?utm_source=url\" target=\"_blank\">makes it impossible to fail\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>It’s important to know the distinction between the metaverse and the VR experience as we highlighted here. A lot of evidence-based studies have been proving the use of VR for medical purposes. But for the same to happen for the metaverse too, we are so far away; and it might not even be worth the effort now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>Written by Dr. Bertalan Meskó & Dr. Pranavsingh Dhunnoo\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":1329,"protected":16},"\u003Cp>A lot of evidence-based studies have been proving the use of VR for medical purposes. But can the same happen with the metaverse too? \u003C\u002Fp>\n",40163,{"_acf_changed":16,"footnotes":64},[68,230,5,950,233],[1334,1335,1336],7523,7525,637,[],[],[962,238,86,1340,1341,1342],2345,2621,2923,[1344,53,91,92,93,94,95,96,244,97,974,247,1345,1346,1347],"post-39957","tag-metaverse","tag-online-healthcare","tag-telehealth",{"id":1330,"alt_text":1349,"caption":64,"description":64,"media_type":110,"media_details":1350,"post":1315,"source_url":1366},"Metaverse digital health",{"width":1351,"height":1352,"file":1353,"sizes":1354,"image_meta":1365},1340,754,"2022\u002F03\u002FMetaverse-tmf-small.png",{"medium":1355,"large":1358,"thumbnail":1361,"medium_large":1364},{"file":1356,"width":480,"height":481,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1357},"Metaverse-tmf-small-370x208.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F03\u002FMetaverse-tmf-small-370x208.png",{"file":1359,"width":485,"height":486,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1360},"Metaverse-tmf-small-768x432.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F03\u002FMetaverse-tmf-small-768x432.png",{"file":1362,"width":490,"height":490,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1363},"Metaverse-tmf-small-150x150.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F03\u002FMetaverse-tmf-small-150x150.png",{"file":1359,"width":485,"height":486,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1360},{"aperture":143,"credit":64,"camera":64,"caption":64,"created_timestamp":143,"copyright":64,"focal_length":143,"iso":143,"shutter_speed":143,"title":64,"orientation":143},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F03\u002FMetaverse-tmf-small.png",{"cta_type":64,"cta_color":64,"subtitle":64,"related_books":1368,"related_posts_footer":1369,"related_posts":16},[150,151],[1370,1371,1372],13109,13949,15503,{"yoast_wpseo_title":1374,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":1375,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":1323},"How The Metaverse Could (Or Could Not) Transform Healthcare - The Medical Futurist","A lot of evidence-based studies have been proving the use of VR for medical purposes. But can the same happen with the metaverse too?",{"self":1377,"collection":1382,"about":1384,"author":1386,"replies":1388,"version-history":1391,"predecessor-version":1394,"wp:featuredmedia":1398,"wp:attachment":1401,"wp:term":1404,"curies":1415},[1378],{"href":1379,"targetHints":1380},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F39957",{"allow":1381},[27],[1383],{"href":171},[1385],{"href":174},[1387],{"embeddable":41,"href":177},[1389],{"embeddable":41,"href":1390},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=39957",[1392],{"count":61,"href":1393},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F39957\u002Frevisions",[1395],{"id":1396,"href":1397},40807,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F39957\u002Frevisions\u002F40807",[1399],{"embeddable":41,"href":1400},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F40163",[1402],{"href":1403},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=39957",[1405,1407,1409,1411,1413],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":41,"href":1406},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=39957",{"taxonomy":199,"embeddable":41,"href":1408},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=39957",{"taxonomy":202,"embeddable":41,"href":1410},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=39957",{"taxonomy":205,"embeddable":41,"href":1412},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=39957",{"taxonomy":208,"embeddable":41,"href":1414},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=39957",[1416],{"name":39,"href":40,"templated":41},{"id":1418,"date":1419,"date_gmt":1420,"guid":1421,"modified":1423,"modified_gmt":1424,"slug":1425,"status":52,"type":53,"link":1426,"title":1427,"content":1429,"excerpt":1431,"author":325,"featured_media":1433,"comment_status":63,"ping_status":63,"sticky":41,"template":64,"format":65,"meta":1434,"categories":1435,"tags":1436,"project_category":1439,"contact_email_category":1440,"yst_prominent_words":1441,"class_list":1442,"better_featured_image":1446,"acf":1467,"yoast_meta":1473,"_links":1476},36927,"2021-11-23T10:00:00","2021-11-23T09:00:00",{"rendered":1422},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=36927&_wpnonce=08cbfc8763&status=auto-draft&type=post","2021-11-30T23:59:01","2021-11-30T22:59:01","vein-scanner-augmented-reality","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fvein-scanner-augmented-reality",{"rendered":1428},"Augmented Reality Helping Vein Scanners – Too Distant A Dream In Healthcare?",{"rendered":1430,"protected":16},"\n\u003Cp>Vascular access is the most common invasive medical procedure. It is foundational to many diagnostic and clinical procedures. So the number of potential procedures available for visualization is huge. Using augmented reality in finding veins accurately for a blood draw was one of the very first practical uses of augmented reality (AR) technology. I expected the concept to bloom from the very first use case and clinical tests. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>There is an issue down at the very base of medicine – 70 percent of medical decisions are based on the results of blood testing, yet, the majority of people carry a deeply rooted fear against needles and blood drawing altogether. So the technology has a real problem to solve and it was proven to be able to solve it, too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>But why haven’t vein scanners become part of everyday medicine yet? We dived in to find out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\u002F>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Related\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh5>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fvein-scanners-examples-for-disruption\u002F\">Vein Scanners: Examples For Disruption\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fwould-you-let-a-robot-take-your-blood-sample\u002F\">Would You Let A Robot Take Your Blood Sample?\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Building a magical device not just a product\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>I have long expected vein scanners and similar technologies like automated blood draw to be part of the medical practice by now. After all, artificial intelligence-led robots have better accuracy in finding veins simply because these machines take the guesswork out of the equation and actually \u003Cem>see\u003C\u002Fem> where the veins are and draw the blood from the exact place they want to draw from.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"449\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F09\u002Fvein-scanner-view-768x449.jpg\" alt=\"Vein Scanners\" class=\"wp-image-13975\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F09\u002Fvein-scanner-view-768x449.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F09\u002Fvein-scanner-view-512x300.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F09\u002Fvein-scanner-view-428x250.jpg 428w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F09\u002Fvein-scanner-view.jpg 870w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>However, as it turns out, we, humans, have this thing with \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fwould-you-let-a-robot-take-your-blood-sample\u002F\">robots drawing our blood\u003C\u002Fa>. Whether it’s the Terminator movies or our natural aversion to the unknown, I wouldn’t tell. But no matter how accurate a machine would be in finding our veins, we simply don’t allow it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>I was also certain that vein scanner technology supports nurses having fewer problems and mistakes throughout the process. But if that is the case, how come we don’t get to see more of such devices in practice?! Fact is, vein visualisation technology is slowly reaching a standard of care, but then there are other issues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Blood sampling, which is a challenge for nurses and patients alike, is a challenge. There is a variable in the process, even with the most practised hand: not seeing or finding the vein. A vein scanner is designed to support this, as it shows even the thinnest veins, along with running direction and details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Responding to this challenge, the first vein scanners appeared around 2009. We asked electrical engineer Joe Zott, who participated in one of the very first projects developing handheld vein scanners. “\u003Cem>I started working with mixed reality in 2009 when I joined \u003C\u002Fem>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.accuvein.com\u002F\">\u003Cem>AccuVein\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cem> to develop their first product. AccuVein did not develop the first projection vein visualization device, but we made it handheld and useable. Having been the project and engineering manager for the development of a number of products and technologies, I had all the skills needed to manage a joint MR \u002F medical device product development. Probably most important was that I viewed this as an opportunity to build a magical device and not just another product.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Joe Zott and Vinny Luciano (Accuvein) - Projecting veins on the skin at AWE 2015\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FJPjm_TRv7ec?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Expensive technology is hard to reach practice\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>A few years ago we took a look at the price tag of such products. I was blown away: the costs of such a machine were horrible; it was so much that I thought not a single hospital director would give for a device to do a job a single nurse can do, too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>“\u003Cem>If you consider the use of vein visualization from the perspective of the financial cost of the procedure vs. the clinical benefits of using the technology then I think it is already affordable in many situations\u003C\u002Fem>” – Joe Zott added about the financial issues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>“\u003Cem>At AccuVein we conducted \u003C\u002Fem>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.accuvein.com\u002Fwhy-accuvein\u002Fevidence\u002F\">\u003Cem>a number of studies\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cem> looking at the number of procedures our vein visualization devices were used. These applications included everything from clinical Monday through Friday settings where the device was used during normal hours to hospital emergency departments who used their devices 24 hours a day 7 days a week. \u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>With vein visualization devices having a 5 year lifetime and a price of around $4,000 the per-procedure cost will be on the order of $0.50 to $1 per patient use. Given the cost of gloves, catheters, etc. used in a vascular access procedure, I think vein visualization doesn’t increase the per-use price much and so \u003C\u002Fem>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>is already affordable\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Cem>.\u003C\u002Fem>”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As for if it can become more affordable in the future, Joe Zott added: “\u003Cem>At AccuVein we conducted a number of studies looking at the number of procedures our vein visualization devices were used. These applications included everything from clinical Monday through Friday settings where the device was used during normal hours to hospital emergency departments who used their devices 24 hours a day 7 days a week.”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"512\" height=\"340\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F09\u002FVein-Viewer-Example1-512x340.jpg\" alt=\"Vein Viewer - Vein Scanners\" class=\"wp-image-13972\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F09\u002FVein-Viewer-Example1-512x340.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F09\u002FVein-Viewer-Example1-377x250.jpg 377w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F09\u002FVein-Viewer-Example1.jpg 603w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Will this technology become more affordable \u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The price is relative if we consider that such a device is used multiple times a day – about 1-2000 times annually. With a lifespan of approximately 5 years this further nuance the price per patient. Making the technology more affordable than first thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>“\u003Cem>While I like to describe it as magic, there is nothing magical about the technology. As consumer MR becomes more mainstream this also helps bring down the production costs of medical MR. I would expect a price reduction in the market as occurred with similar common use medical devices – digital stethoscopes, digital thermometers, blood pressure instruments, pulse oximeters\u003C\u002Fem>” – finished Joe Zott.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>We can only hope it will become more widely available. Until then, we look away and hope the nurse will find our veins this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":1432,"protected":16},"\u003Cp>Vascular access is the most common invasive medical procedure. It is foundational to many diagnostic and clinical procedures. So the number of potential procedures available […]\u003C\u002Fp>\n",36841,{"_acf_changed":16,"footnotes":64},[5,231,1200],[1209,1437,1438,1202],669,7471,[439,80,440],[],[],[1443,53,91,92,93,94,95,97,245,1223,1231,1444,1445,1224,468,107,469],"post-36927","tag-blood","tag-accuvein",{"id":1433,"alt_text":64,"caption":64,"description":1447,"media_type":110,"media_details":1448,"post":1465,"source_url":1466},"Vein scanner",{"width":474,"height":475,"file":1449,"sizes":1450,"image_meta":1464},"2021\u002F11\u002Ftmf_article_303-01.png",{"medium":1451,"large":1454,"thumbnail":1457,"medium_large":1460,"1536x1536":1461},{"file":1452,"width":480,"height":481,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1453},"tmf_article_303-01-370x208.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F11\u002Ftmf_article_303-01-370x208.png",{"file":1455,"width":485,"height":486,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1456},"tmf_article_303-01-768x432.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F11\u002Ftmf_article_303-01-768x432.png",{"file":1458,"width":490,"height":490,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1459},"tmf_article_303-01-150x150.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F11\u002Ftmf_article_303-01-150x150.png",{"file":1455,"width":485,"height":486,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1456},{"file":1462,"width":495,"height":496,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1463},"tmf_article_303-01-1536x864.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F11\u002Ftmf_article_303-01-1536x864.png",{"aperture":143,"credit":64,"camera":64,"caption":64,"created_timestamp":143,"copyright":64,"focal_length":143,"iso":143,"shutter_speed":143,"title":64,"orientation":143},36835,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F11\u002Ftmf_article_303-01.png",{"subtitle":64,"cta_type":147,"cta_color":64,"related_books":1468,"related_posts_footer":1470,"related_posts":16},[1008,1469],31417,[1471,1268,1472],13968,36453,{"yoast_wpseo_title":1474,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":1475,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":1426},"Augmented Reality Helping Vein Scanners – Too Distant A Dream In Healthcare? - The Medical Futurist","Using augmented reality in finding veins accurately for a blood draw was one of the very first practical uses of AR technology.",{"self":1477,"collection":1482,"about":1484,"author":1486,"replies":1488,"version-history":1491,"predecessor-version":1494,"wp:featuredmedia":1498,"wp:attachment":1501,"wp:term":1504,"curies":1515},[1478],{"href":1479,"targetHints":1480},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F36927",{"allow":1481},[27],[1483],{"href":171},[1485],{"href":174},[1487],{"embeddable":41,"href":372},[1489],{"embeddable":41,"href":1490},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=36927",[1492],{"count":378,"href":1493},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F36927\u002Frevisions",[1495],{"id":1496,"href":1497},37027,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F36927\u002Frevisions\u002F37027",[1499],{"embeddable":41,"href":1500},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F36841",[1502],{"href":1503},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=36927",[1505,1507,1509,1511,1513],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":41,"href":1506},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=36927",{"taxonomy":199,"embeddable":41,"href":1508},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=36927",{"taxonomy":202,"embeddable":41,"href":1510},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=36927",{"taxonomy":205,"embeddable":41,"href":1512},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=36927",{"taxonomy":208,"embeddable":41,"href":1514},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=36927",[1516],{"name":39,"href":40,"templated":41},{"id":1518,"date":1519,"date_gmt":1520,"guid":1521,"modified":1523,"modified_gmt":1524,"slug":1525,"status":52,"type":53,"link":1526,"title":1527,"content":1529,"excerpt":1531,"author":325,"featured_media":1533,"comment_status":63,"ping_status":63,"sticky":41,"template":64,"format":65,"meta":1534,"categories":1535,"tags":1536,"project_category":1545,"contact_email_category":1546,"yst_prominent_words":1547,"class_list":1558,"better_featured_image":1568,"acf":1588,"yoast_meta":1595,"_links":1598},17427,"2021-09-21T10:00:00","2021-09-21T08:00:00",{"rendered":1522},"http:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?p=17427","2021-09-21T09:17:07","2021-09-21T07:17:07","robotics-blockchain-redesign-pharma-supply-chain","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Frobotics-blockchain-redesign-pharma-supply-chain",{"rendered":1528},"From Drug Design To Distribution: This Is How Robotics, A.I. and Blockchain Transforms Pharma",{"rendered":1530,"protected":16},"\n\u003Ch5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Exoskeletons to aid pharma factory workers. 3D printing to allow pharmacies to produce drugs on the spot. Blockchain technologies to help fight counterfeit drugs. \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh5>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>These are just bits and pieces, but the entire process of the pharmaceutical supply chain will be affected by disruptive technologies. Let me show you how innovations will make it more efficient, faster and cheaper than ever before.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh5>\n\n\n\n\u003C!--more-->\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>“\u003Cem>We call it Robi\u003C\u002Fem>”, the smiling pharmacist told me when I looked at the robotic dispenser pacing up and down in a small glass-fronted drug storage room of the pharmacy. The robot spares humans about two hours of medication stacking and distribution every single day. “\u003Cem>And it only makes mistakes if I make one. Or when there are too many requests at the same time” \u003C\u002Fem>– the pharmacist added. By leveraging robotic tools, pharmacies can reduce the time for monotonous tasks and shorten the waiting time. \u003Cstrong>This one is just one tiny example of the zillions of solutions where robots improve the pharma supply chain.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F10\u002F210_tmf-01-768x432.png\" alt=\"Future of Pharmacies\" class=\"wp-image-30493\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F10\u002F210_tmf-01-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F10\u002F210_tmf-01-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F10\u002F210_tmf-01-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F10\u002F210_tmf-01.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>Will there be robots behind the counter in the pharmacies of the future? Probably. But there will also be a human.\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Diverse and diversified instead of linear supply chains\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Time and efficiency are key in the operation of the pharmaceutical supply chain. Its main objective is to deliver the right medication to the person in need as fast as possible – to aid the healing process in the best way possible. While the drug designing, manufacturing, and distribution supply chains have been changing constantly due to new technologies, the scope and quality of the recent transformation are much more profound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>First and foremost, \u003Cstrong>these supply chains always represented a linear, one-way process\u003C\u002Fstrong>: from the drug producer to the consumer. As technologies are integrating the patient more and more into the entire pharmaceutical industry – not as an end-user, but as an active shaper of outcomes, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.pwc.com\u002Fgx\u002Fen\u002Fpharma-life-sciences\u002Fpharma-2020\u002Fassets\u002Fpharma-2020-supplying-the-future.pdf\">supply chains transform into two-way streets\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Secondly, these \u003Cstrong>networks have grown immensely in scope and complexity\u003C\u002Fstrong> due to globalisation, new technologies and the advancement of transportation. Thirdly, \u003Cstrong>personalisation and targeted treatments\u003C\u002Fstrong> will result in the fragmentation and diversification of these networks, while fourthly, \u003Cstrong>disruption\u003C\u002Fstrong> will allow smaller companies with relatively few experiences to connect to the market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Moreover, there is a real chance for the home of the patient to also become part of the supply chain due to 3D printing or artificial intelligence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Of course, each technology will impact a different part of the pharmaceutical supply chain and to a different degree, so it is worth looking at them separately and in more detail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"ebook-block-spacer\">\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"ebook-block-backdrop backdrop-blur\" id=\"modal-backdrop-ebook-block_61485de039513\">\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\u003Cinput style=\"display: none\" id=\"modal-ebook-block_61485de039513\"\n       value=\"{"featured":{"ID":24764,"post_author":"10","post_date":"2019-09-06 22:00:04","post_date_gmt":"2019-09-06 20:00:04","post_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\\n<p>We designed this e-book to serve as a collection of relevant examples, best practices and exciting ideas that can help any pharmaceutical company prepare for change. Many pharma companies have been trying to hop on the “digital train”. <a href=\\"https:\\\u002F\\\u002Fleanpub.com\\\u002Fthefutureofpharma\\" target=\\"_blank\\" rel=\\"noreferrer noopener\\">This e-book<\\\u002Fa> was meant to prove that instead of a train of innovation, stakeholders should think in terms of spaceships and while there is still time to embrace digital health and patient empowerment, those that do it faster will get exponentially ahead of their competitors.<\\\u002Fp>\\n<!-- \\\u002Fwp:paragraph -->","post_title":"How Technologies are Shaping the Future of Pharma","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"technologies-shaping-the-future-of-pharma","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-03-12 18:14:56","post_modified_gmt":"2023-03-12 17:14:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\\\u002F\\\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\\\u002F?post_type=book&p=24764","menu_order":16,"post_type":"book","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw","featured_image":["https:\\\u002F\\\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\\\u002Fwp-content\\\u002Fuploads\\\u002F2019\\\u002F09\\\u002Ffuture-of-pharma.png",320,415,false],"leanpub_url":"https:\\\u002F\\\u002Fleanpub.com\\\u002Fthefutureofpharma?utm_source=books&utm_medium=referral","preview":[{"image":"https:\\\u002F\\\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\\\u002Fwp-content\\\u002Fuploads\\\u002F2019\\\u002F09\\\u002F1114_pharma_ebook_2022-cover-copy.png"},{"image":"https:\\\u002F\\\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\\\u002Fwp-content\\\u002Fuploads\\\u002F2019\\\u002F09\\\u002FTechnologies-Shaping-The-Future-of-Pharma-UPDATED-03.png"},{"image":"https:\\\u002F\\\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\\\u002Fwp-content\\\u002Fuploads\\\u002F2019\\\u002F09\\\u002FTechnologies-Shaping-The-Future-of-Pharma-UPDATED-04.png"},{"image":"https:\\\u002F\\\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\\\u002Fwp-content\\\u002Fuploads\\\u002F2019\\\u002F09\\\u002FTechnologies-Shaping-The-Future-of-Pharma-UPDATED-05.png"},{"image":"https:\\\u002F\\\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\\\u002Fwp-content\\\u002Fuploads\\\u002F2019\\\u002F09\\\u002FTechnologies-Shaping-The-Future-of-Pharma-UPDATED-06.png"},{"image":"https:\\\u002F\\\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\\\u002Fwp-content\\\u002Fuploads\\\u002F2019\\\u002F09\\\u002FTechnologies-Shaping-The-Future-of-Pharma-UPDATED-07.png"},{"image":"https:\\\u002F\\\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\\\u002Fwp-content\\\u002Fuploads\\\u002F2019\\\u002F09\\\u002FTechnologies-Shaping-The-Future-of-Pharma-UPDATED-08.png"},{"image":"https:\\\u002F\\\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\\\u002Fwp-content\\\u002Fuploads\\\u002F2019\\\u002F09\\\u002FTechnologies-Shaping-The-Future-of-Pharma-UPDATED-09.png"}],"buy_button_text":"Get it on Leanpub"},"others":[]}\"\u002F>\n\u003Cdiv id=\"ebook-block_61485de039513\" class=\"ebook\">\n    \u003Cdiv class=\"ebook-block h-100\">\n        \u003Cdiv class=\"container h-100\">\n            \u003Cdiv class=\"article-body h-100\">\n                \u003Cdiv class=\"row h-100 align-items-center\">\n                    \u003Cdiv class=\"col-md-5 pr-md-5 mb-4 mb-md-0\">\n                        \u003Cimg decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F09\u002Ffuture-of-pharma.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"img-fluid\">\n                    \u003C\u002Fdiv>\n                    \u003Cdiv class=\"col-md-7 pl-md-3\">\n                        \u003Ch3>How Technologies are Shaping the Future of Pharma\u003C\u002Fh3>\n                        \u003C!-- wp:paragraph -->\n\u003Cp>We designed this e-book to serve as a collection of relevant examples, best practices and exciting ideas that can help any pharmaceutical company prepare for change. Many pharma companies have been trying to hop on the “digital train”. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fleanpub.com\u002Fthefutureofpharma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">This e-book\u003C\u002Fa> was meant to prove that instead of a train of innovation, stakeholders should think in terms of spaceships and while there is still time to embrace digital health and patient empowerment, those that do it faster will get exponentially ahead of their competitors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:paragraph -->                        \u003Cbutton data-target=\"modal-ebook-block_61485de039513\"\n                                class=\"ebook-block-button btn btn-lg font-weight-bold btn-tmf-blue mt-3\">\n                            Start Reading Now\n                        \u003C\u002Fbutton>\n                    \u003C\u002Fdiv>\n                \u003C\u002Fdiv>\n            \u003C\u002Fdiv>\n        \u003C\u002Fdiv>\n    \u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Artificial Intelligence in drug design\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>A.I. solutions could fundamentally alter the traditional process of designing drugs. It could make drug development much cheaper and more effective; remarkably shorten the drug production circle, and help out pharma in finding new drugs. All this without burdening clinical trials and accumulating costs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>According to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sciencedirect.com\u002Fscience\u002Farticle\u002Fpii\u002FS2452302X1600036X#:~:text=Although%20the%20drug%20development%20takes,daunting%20and%20difficult%20to%20navigate.\">estimates\u003C\u002Fa>, it takes about 12 years and $2.9 billion for an experimental drug to advance from concept to market. In 2019, A.I. pharma startup Insilico Medicine identified a potential new drug \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.technologyreview.com\u002F2019\u002F09\u002F03\u002F133175\u002Fan-ai-system-identified-a-potential-new-drug-in-just-46-days\u002F\">in only 46 days\u003C\u002Fa>. This is the difference A.I. is capable of. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>San Francisco-based \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.atomwise.com\u002F\">Atomwise\u003C\u002Fa> uses supercomputers that root out therapies from a database of molecular structures. During the Ebola epidemic in 2015, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.atomwise.com\u002F2015\u002F03\u002F24\u002Fnew-ebola-treatment-using-artificial-intelligence\u002F\">Atomwise used its A.I. algorithm\u003C\u002Fa> to identify two drugs with significant potential to reduce Ebola infectivity. This analysis that typically would have taken months or years was completed in less than one day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>At the start of the pandemic, global cooperation was formed to help the search for effective drug treatments against COVID-19. In less than 10 days after repurposing their toolset to find a treatment for COVID-19, BarabasiLab had \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcovid.barabasilab.com\u002F2020\u002F04\u002Fnetwork-based-embedding-of-all-human.html\">a list of promising drugs\u003C\u002Fa> for testing in human cell lines in an experimental lab. They used A.I.-based \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fnetwork-medicine-in-the-fight-against-covid-19\u002F\">network medicine\u003C\u002Fa> to be able to do so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F05\u002F168_tmf-01-768x432.png\" alt=\"Network medicine in finding treatment for COVID-19\" class=\"wp-image-28279\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F05\u002F168_tmf-01-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F05\u002F168_tmf-01-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F05\u002F168_tmf-01-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F05\u002F168_tmf-01.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>Network medicine\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Robotics and augmented reality will support drug manufacturing\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>With its need for speed, repeatability, and verification, pharmaceutical manufacturing is ideally suited to benefit from robot automation. Consistency or cost-efficiency are all arguments in favour of robots; as not only does the robot perform its tasks exactly as it is told to, everything it does can be thoroughly documented. Global robotics company, \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fdensorobotics.com\u002Fworld\u002F\">Denso Robotics\u003C\u002Fa>, for example, offers the three most commonly used types of robots, cartesian, SCARA and articulated robots for different tasks in pharmaceutical manufacturing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.pharmaceutical-technology.com\u002Ffeatures\u002Frobotic-drug-dispensing-digital-pharmacy\u002F\">Robotic medical dispenser systems\u003C\u002Fa> as medication management solutions help any given facility “right-size” its system for its volume. It is also an emerging best practice that these robots are designed with robust data mining capabilities. It means that pharmacies can gain valuable insights about their traffic and efficiency all the time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Robots or A.I. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F5-reasons-artificial-intelligence-wont-replace-physicians\">can and will not replace humans\u003C\u002Fa> when it comes to more complex assignments requiring creativity and problem-solving skills. However, \u003Cstrong>humans can get better at their tasks using digital technologies\u003C\u002Fstrong>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>One example in pharma is how people could \u003Cstrong>learn faster and more efficiently through augmented reality\u003C\u002Fstrong> (AR). Moreover, their training would not require extra workforce either; colleagues assigned with the coaching of newcomers might get different tasks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In another scenario, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.contemporaryclinic.com\u002Fview\u002Fstudy-finds-exoskeletons-can-reduce-strain-in-health-care\">exoskeletons\u003C\u002Fa> could aid workers to lift heavy loads and support them in enduring long hours of standing or other uncomfortable positions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"626\" height=\"352\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F09\u002Fvirtual-augmented-reality-apps-medicine-realistic-composition-with-holding-smartphone-hand-choosing-medication_1284-31971-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-36295\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F09\u002Fvirtual-augmented-reality-apps-medicine-realistic-composition-with-holding-smartphone-hand-choosing-medication_1284-31971-edited.jpg 626w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F09\u002Fvirtual-augmented-reality-apps-medicine-realistic-composition-with-holding-smartphone-hand-choosing-medication_1284-31971-edited-370x208.jpg 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 626px) 100vw, 626px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>Source: freepic.com\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alternative routes for production: 3D printing drugs in pharmacies\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>While automation and AR-supported workforce considerably speed up the process of manufacturing and enable the production of large quantities of the same medication, 3D printing would allow pharma companies to create drugs in more effective dose formats. It would also enable \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.procurementleaders.com\u002Fblog\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-will-3d-printing-impact-pharmaceutical-manufacturing-679466#.WnehOejOU2w\">low-volume production coupled with personalised medicine\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The idea is not as far-fetched as you think. In 2016, the \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fqz.com\u002F471030\u002Fthe-fda-has-approved-the-first-drug-made-by-a-3d-printer\u002F\">FDA just approved\u003C\u002Fa> an epilepsy drug called Spritam that is \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-fda-just-approved-the-first-3d-printed-drug\u002F\">made by 3D printers\u003C\u002Fa>. It prints out the powdered drug layer by layer to make it dissolve faster than average pills. Scientists working with the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hhmi.org\u002F\">Howard Hughes Medical Institute\u003C\u002Fa> have developed a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hhmi.org\u002Fnews\u002F3d-printer-small-molecules-opens-access-customized-chemistry\">new 3D printer\u003C\u002Fa> that can synthesise 14 different classes of a small molecule using a set of chemical building blocks. However, Spritam is the only FDA-approved 3D printed drug to date.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fposts\u002Ffuture-of-3d-dr-40333175\">an exclusive interview\u003C\u002Fa> for The Medical Futurist Patreon channel, Dr. Alvaro Goyanes, Development Director and lead project researcher of 3D printed drug company, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.fabrx.co.uk\u002F\">FabRx\u003C\u002Fa> told me: \u003Cem>“I have found no drug that we couldn’t 3D print so far.” \u003C\u002Fem>Dr. Goyanes believes the technology will be available everywhere in 5-10 years, as it’s already in hospitals. “\u003Cem>We envision a system where medicines are going to be prepared from raw materials in the same way you use a Nespresso machine to prepare coffee.”\u003C\u002Fem> However, the FabRx team was cautious about the potential of the GP e-mailing the drug prescription and the patient 3D printing it at home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1527\" height=\"859\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F09\u002F3d_printed_drugs_poster-edited.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-36297\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F09\u002F3d_printed_drugs_poster-edited.png 1527w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F09\u002F3d_printed_drugs_poster-edited-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F09\u002F3d_printed_drugs_poster-edited-768x432.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1527px) 100vw, 1527px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Blockchain securing distribution chains\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The pharmaceutical industry has a particular interest in blockchain technology. Within the network where medication gets from pharmaceutical companies through distributors, hospitals, and pharmacies to the patient, the most important challenge is to ensure the safety and security of the products themselves. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The issue of counterfeit medicines, as the dark side of networked markets and globalisation, has \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.pharmaceutical-technology.com\u002Ffeatures\u002Fblockchain-pharma-opportunities-supply-chain\u002F\">become increasingly pressing\u003C\u002Fa>; both in terms of the economic cost of this global black market and the risk to human life that comes from taking counterfeit drugs. In many developing countries in Asia, Africa, and South America, counterfeit drugs comprise between 10 – 30 percent of the total medicines on sale. Blockchain technology can be the answer to this issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The technology offers security through transparency. It might work as follows: barcode-tagged drugs could be scanned and entered into secure digital blocks whenever they change hands. This ongoing real-time record could be viewed anytime by authorised parties and even patients at the far end of the supply chain. This would make it much more difficult for criminal networks to sell their counterfeit drugs on the market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>However, the advantages of blockchain for pharma do not stop there. Drug developers running clinical trials might be able to share clinical data and medical samples more securely and simply; while in healthcare, vaccine registries could be more easily set up and relied upon. And while blockchain underpins the digital currencies demanded in ransomware attacks, the technology could also play a role in securing sensitive industry data from malicious attacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\u002F>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Overall, pharma should embrace digital health technologies or small companies coming from a garage that might beat them at speed, patient centricity, and cost (the triad of success in the digital age).\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\">\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fthemedicalfuturist.us8.list-manage.com\u002Fsubscribe?u=5b42ebb547c75ff669a6572d3&id=efd6a3cd08\">\u003Cb>Subscribe To The Medical Futurist℠ Newsletter\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\u003Cli>News shaping the future of healthcare\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Advice on taking charge of your health\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Reviews of the latest health technology\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\n",{"rendered":1532,"protected":16},"\u003Cp>Exoskeletons to aid pharma factory workers. 3D printing to allow pharmacies to produce drugs on the spot. Blockchain technologies to help fight counterfeit drugs.  These […]\u003C\u002Fp>\n",36305,{"_acf_changed":16,"footnotes":64},[582,230,5,583,691,584,233],[1537,1538,697,1539,1540,436,423,1541,695,427,1542,435,1543,437,1544],356,819,839,840,1530,535,7355,816,[701,702,440],[],[1548,1549,707,1550,1551,711,1552,1553,1554,1555,1556,1557],1633,1715,2915,2927,4157,4491,1599,4941,1621,1625,[1559,53,91,92,93,94,95,596,244,97,597,718,598,247,1560,1561,723,1562,1563,466,453,1564,721,457,1565,465,1566,467,1567,726,727,469],"post-17427","tag-pharma-2","tag-pharmaceutics","tag-robots","tag-supply-chain","tag-drug-design","tag-pharmacies","tag-3d-printed-pills","tag-blockchain",{"id":1533,"alt_text":64,"caption":64,"description":1569,"media_type":110,"media_details":1570,"post":1518,"source_url":1587},"Digital tools disrupting the supply chains of Pharma",{"width":474,"height":475,"file":1571,"sizes":1572,"image_meta":1586},"2021\u002F09\u002Ftmf_article_291_A-02.png",{"medium":1573,"large":1576,"thumbnail":1579,"medium_large":1582,"1536x1536":1583},{"file":1574,"width":480,"height":481,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1575},"tmf_article_291_A-02-370x208.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F09\u002Ftmf_article_291_A-02-370x208.png",{"file":1577,"width":485,"height":486,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1578},"tmf_article_291_A-02-768x432.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F09\u002Ftmf_article_291_A-02-768x432.png",{"file":1580,"width":490,"height":490,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1581},"tmf_article_291_A-02-150x150.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F09\u002Ftmf_article_291_A-02-150x150.png",{"file":1577,"width":485,"height":486,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1578},{"file":1584,"width":495,"height":496,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1585},"tmf_article_291_A-02-1536x864.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F09\u002Ftmf_article_291_A-02-1536x864.png",{"aperture":143,"credit":64,"camera":64,"caption":64,"created_timestamp":143,"copyright":64,"focal_length":143,"iso":143,"shutter_speed":143,"title":64,"orientation":143},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F09\u002Ftmf_article_291_A-02.png",{"related_posts":16,"related_posts_footer":1589,"subtitle":64,"cta_type":147,"cta_color":64,"related_books":1593},[1590,1591,1592],17254,35983,24512,[149,1594],24763,{"yoast_wpseo_title":1596,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":1597,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":1526},"From Drug Design To Distribution: This Is How Robotics, A.I. and Blockchain Transforms Pharma - The Medical Futurist","Changing pharma supply chain: the entire process will be affected by disruptive technologies like robotics, A.I. or blockchain.",{"self":1599,"collection":1604,"about":1606,"author":1608,"replies":1610,"version-history":1613,"predecessor-version":1616,"wp:featuredmedia":1620,"wp:attachment":1623,"wp:term":1626,"curies":1637},[1600],{"href":1601,"targetHints":1602},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F17427",{"allow":1603},[27],[1605],{"href":171},[1607],{"href":174},[1609],{"embeddable":41,"href":372},[1611],{"embeddable":41,"href":1612},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=17427",[1614],{"count":183,"href":1615},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F17427\u002Frevisions",[1617],{"id":1618,"href":1619},36311,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F17427\u002Frevisions\u002F36311",[1621],{"embeddable":41,"href":1622},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F36305",[1624],{"href":1625},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=17427",[1627,1629,1631,1633,1635],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":41,"href":1628},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=17427",{"taxonomy":199,"embeddable":41,"href":1630},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=17427",{"taxonomy":202,"embeddable":41,"href":1632},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=17427",{"taxonomy":205,"embeddable":41,"href":1634},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=17427",{"taxonomy":208,"embeddable":41,"href":1636},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=17427",[1638],{"name":39,"href":40,"templated":41},{"id":1640,"date":1641,"date_gmt":1642,"guid":1643,"modified":1645,"modified_gmt":1646,"slug":1647,"status":52,"type":53,"link":1648,"title":1649,"content":1651,"excerpt":1653,"author":61,"featured_media":1655,"comment_status":63,"ping_status":63,"sticky":41,"template":64,"format":65,"meta":1656,"categories":1657,"tags":1659,"project_category":1666,"contact_email_category":1667,"yst_prominent_words":1668,"class_list":1671,"better_featured_image":1680,"acf":1700,"yoast_meta":1705,"_links":1707},33247,"2021-03-09T10:00:00","2021-03-09T09:00:00",{"rendered":1644},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=33247&_wpnonce=242ee0ca72&status=auto-draft&type=post","2021-03-09T14:07:25","2021-03-09T13:07:25","ar-in-medical-education","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Far-in-medical-education",{"rendered":1650},"Alternate Realities Help Medical Education And Training During COVID-19",{"rendered":1652,"protected":16},"\n\u003Cp>With the need to limit physical contact amidst the pandemic, the whole world turned to virtual solutions to reprise their daily activities. Zoom and Slack became the new workplace; and even medical consultations were increasingly \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fcovid-19-was-needed-for-telemedicine-to-finally-go-mainstream\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">conducted online\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>However, by turning indoors, aspiring healthcare professionals were negatively impacted since hands-on practices and training were limited, if not impossible. In Scotland, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.timeshighereducation.com\u002Fnews\u002Fscottish-dental-students-forced-covid-repeat-year\" target=\"_blank\">dental students\u003C\u002Fa> had to repeat a whole year due to insufficient clinical exposure. In particular, they could not practise aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) enough. The latter were limited due to their potential to facilitate COVID-19’s spread with airborne droplets created. AGPs are part of a significant portion of dental treatments and without enough practice with those procedures, dental students can’t graduate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>But it’s not only dental students who have been impacted in this way. In Taiwan, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com\u002Farticles\u002F10.1186\u002Fs12909-020-02267-2\" target=\"_blank\">a study\u003C\u002Fa> showed that those in emergency medicine residency training programs saw fewer patients per hour than during pre-pandemic times. This decrease in patient volume subsequently leads to reduced clinical practice for the trainees. Since a physician’s expertise relies on exposure to vast amounts of patient cases, having less physical experience might affect their performance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>So how about taking a page from the “new normal” and replacing that missing physical training with a virtual one? A recent \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002F33421972\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">independent study\u003C\u002Fa> even found promising results when orthopaedics trainees used mixed reality (MR) simulators from VirtaMed to practise. They were 20% faster and caused 30% less \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.virtamed.com\u002Fen\u002Fnews\u002Fmedical-training-confidently-moves-beyond-cadavers\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">cartilage damage\u003C\u002Fa> than those who trained on cadavers. To what extent could such alternatives really benefit medical training and education in times of a pandemic? Would these prevent students from having to repeat a year altogether?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>To contemplate these questions and guide us in these new realities, we sought the insight of Raimundo Sierra, CEO and Founder of \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.virtamed.com\u002Fen\u002Fabout-us\u002Fteam\u002Fraimundo-sierra\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">VirtaMed\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>COVID-19’s impact on medical education and training\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Being forced to repeat a year must be tough for the students themselves who, after years of rigorous studies, saw their graduation deferred. But, according to Health Secretary Jeane Freeman, it might be for the best for their professional development. “\u003Cem>It is about giving dental students the experience that has been denied them this year because of the pandemic\u003C\u002Fem>,” Freeman \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bbc.com\u002Fnews\u002Fuk-scotland-56040870\" target=\"_blank\">told the BBC\u003C\u002Fa>. “\u003Cem>We need to ensure that people studying dentistry can enter the profession as confident fully-qualified clinicians\u003C\u002Fem>.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>However, there are two sides of the story. Those dental students are \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thetimes.co.uk\u002Farticle\u002Fcoronavirus-in-scotland-dental-students-condemn-repeating-year-as-negligent-kghfjw8fk\" target=\"_blank\">condemning this decision\u003C\u002Fa>, highlighting that it has led to “insurmountable” financial and mental stress. They are unfairly disadvantaged as AGPs are commonplace in dentistry but not so much in other areas of healthcare. Indeed, a review paper \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Fpmc\u002Farticles\u002FPMC7659986\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">published in the journal \u003Cem>Surgeon\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fa> concluded that digital tools helped medical students and residents build “virtual bridges” with their teachers and supervisors. Case Western University, whose \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F5-ways-medical-vr-is-changing-healthcare\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">students regularly use\u003C\u002Fa> the HoloLens MR headset for its anatomy practices, went the extra mile during the pandemic. It \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmspoweruser.com\u002Fcase-western-reserve-university-distributes-nearly-two-hundred-hololens-2-headsets-to-1st-year-students\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">equipped its 185 first-year medical students\u003C\u002Fa> with the $3500 device for remote practices. In a survey, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.newswise.com\u002Farticles\u002Fglobal-first-in-mixed-reality-education-during-covid-19-pandemic\" target=\"_blank\">over 80% of those students\u003C\u002Fa> found that their all-remote anatomy lessons  were comparable to or better than in-person sessions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F02\u002Fvirtual-reality-events-768x432.png\" alt=\"digital health events\" class=\"wp-image-16841\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F02\u002Fvirtual-reality-events-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F02\u002Fvirtual-reality-events-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F02\u002Fvirtual-reality-events-512x288.png 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F02\u002Fvirtual-reality-events-444x250.png 444w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F02\u002Fvirtual-reality-events.png 870w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>“\u003Cem>We know that pilots have to make up for the lack of flying time during the COVID pandemic partially by using simulators; and indeed we know that many hospitals have been able to continue simulator training during this time,\u003C\u002Fem>” Raimundo Sierra told The Medical Futurist. “\u003Cem>Simulation training has strengths in some areas of a curriculum; and can provide objective feedback to demonstrate if skills are being improved, maintained, or degrading due to lack of use.\u003C\u002Fem>” \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>So, could such simulators help fill in the lack of practice for medical and dental students?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>How virtual solutions can help\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In 2019, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fhbr.org\u002F2019\u002F10\u002Fresearch-how-virtual-reality-can-help-train-surgeons\" target=\"_blank\">a Harvard Business Review study\u003C\u002Fa> analysed the performance of virtual reality (VR)-trained surgeons. They showed a 230% boost in their overall performance when compared to traditionally-trained surgeons. They were also faster and more accurate in performing surgical procedures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The recent study that used VirtaMed’s simulator also indicated better performance among those who used it. Their simulator involves a form of mixed reality experience rather than a VR one. It combines virtual computer models visible on a screen with haptic interfaces. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"VirtaMed ArthroS™ Simulators: the Knee, Shoulder, Hip, Ankle, and FAST modules\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FBhyQu-c7ctg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>“\u003Cem>When performing minimally invasive surgery, the surgeon typically looks at a screen; with the patient in front of them and endoscopic cameras and instruments in their hands,\u003C\u002Fem>” VirtaMed’s CEO explains. “\u003Cem>This is exactly the setup that VirtaMed recreates; we combine virtual reality graphics with a replica silicone anatomy and surgical instruments that are packed with sensors to work with our 3D models. For a surgeon this has the same sense of tactile\u002Fhaptic immersion; combined with the visual immersion on the screen as they would have in the OR.\u003C\u002Fem>”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Raimundo Sierra tells us that over 1\u002F3 of U.S. orthopedics programs use VirtaMed arthroscopy simulator. Similarly, 8 500 dental students around the world use Image Navigation’s \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fimage-navigation.com\u002Fhome-page\u002Fdentsim\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">DentSim Simulator\u003C\u002Fa>. It pairs virtual images with a mannequin on which students perform procedures while receiving immediate feedback as it tracks their movements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Being trackable and recorded, such simulators provide objective metrics otherwise unobtainable via traditional methods. This enables trainees to better analyse their performance and thereby focus on where they need to improve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>A replacement for traditional methods?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The pandemic severely constrained traditional training methods. Raimundo Sierra even highlights that many countries suspended cadaver training due to the risk of infection. “\u003Cem>The primary takeaway is to acknowledge that mixed reality simulation is a comparable alternative to these traditional methods,\u003C\u002Fem>” Sierra adds. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>But he is quick to stress an important point. “\u003Cem>This does not mean that training with cadavers or supervised clinical training is redundant! Far from it!” \u003C\u002Fem>VirtaMed’s founder exclaims.\u003Cem> “Rather, this highlights that there is another viable solution on the journey towards the operating room.\u003C\u002Fem>”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F11\u002Faugmented-reality-in-dentistry-with-logo-768x432.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30911\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F11\u002Faugmented-reality-in-dentistry-with-logo-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F11\u002Faugmented-reality-in-dentistry-with-logo-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F11\u002Faugmented-reality-in-dentistry-with-logo-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F11\u002Faugmented-reality-in-dentistry-with-logo-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F11\u002Faugmented-reality-in-dentistry-with-logo.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Given the promising, research-backed results of simulators for training, we asked Sierra whether such simulators could help supplement the lack of experience which forced dental students in Scotland to repeat a year. In his reply, VirtaMed’s CEO had a more down-to-earth take. “\u003Cem>If graduation is the step towards independent practice in the OR, then students will still need some experience with the additional cognitive load of a real patient in the operating room\u003C\u002Fem>,” he told us. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As such, even though virtual training methods were shown to be as – if not more – effective as gold standard methods, they are not training solutions but rather tools. They might not be sufficient to help students graduate during a pandemic, but could help them fine-tune their skills until they can interact with live patients again. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #eee; border-top: 4px solid #444;\" cellpadding=\"10px\">\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd style=\"width: 100%;\">\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>At The Medical Futurist, we are building a community for making a bold vision about the future of healthcare reality today.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dr. Bertalan Mesko, PhD, the Director of The Medical Futurist Institute, launched The Medical Futurist to help individuals, companies, and governments understand how digital health technologies bring healthcare into the 21st century.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">\u003Cem>“Digital health technologies empower patients to become proactive in their life; empower medical professionals to do their job being supported by advanced technologies, and companies and policymakers to make better decisions about their future.” – Dr. Bertalan Meskó\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To support this transformation, Dr. Meskó and The Medical Futurist team is working relentlessly analyzing the latest trends in digital health and bringing insights to the 800,000+ readers and followers of our publications, along these principles:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: #e71d3299;\">\u003Cstrong>The Medical Futurist is a place to learn, not a place for advertising\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fspan>. The Medical Futurist team is working to bring you unlimited access to reliable, neutral information, that is free from the influence of vendors and companies.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: #e71d3299;\">\u003Cstrong>Unlike many others, we keep 99% of The Medical Futurist content open for all readers\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fspan>, regardless of where they live or what they can afford to pay. We do this because we believe in information equality, where everyone deserves to read accurate news and thoughtful analysis.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>For 2021, we commit to another year of high-impact reporting that helps people navigate the jungle of digital health and to see where it is heading. With no shareholders or billionaire owners, we set our own agenda and provide unbiased insights that are free from commercial and political influence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you’d like to support this mission, we invite you to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\">join The Medical Futurist Patreon Community\u003C\u002Fa>. A community of empowered patients, future-oriented healthcare professionals, concerned health policymakers, sensible health tech developers, and enthusiastic medical students. If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our research and sustains our future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\">\u003Cstrong style=\"background-color: #e71d3299; color: #000;\">Click here to support The Medical Futurist from as little as $3\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa> – it only takes a minute. Thank you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Ftd>\n\u003C\u002Ftr>\n\u003C\u002Ftbody>\n\u003C\u002Ftable>\n\u003Cp> \u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":1654,"protected":16},"\u003Cp>With the need to limit physical contact amidst the pandemic, the whole world turned to virtual solutions to reprise their daily activities. Zoom and Slack […]\u003C\u002Fp>\n",33337,{"_acf_changed":16,"footnotes":64},[1658,230,5,946,948,583,691,232,692,69],6479,[1660,1661,1662,1663,1084,1664,699,1665],6041,6771,6773,6775,6777,6779,[701,439,702,80],[],[88,1669,1670,449,714,592,336,84,1095,706,87,710],3223,3471,[1672,53,91,92,93,94,95,1673,244,97,970,972,597,718,246,719,98,1674,1675,1676,1677,1102,1678,725,1679,726,468,727,107],"post-33247","category-covid-19","tag-covid-19","tag-vitramed","tag-dentsim-simulator","tag-orthopedics","tag-students","tag-agps",{"id":1655,"alt_text":64,"caption":64,"description":1681,"media_type":110,"media_details":1682,"post":1640,"source_url":1699},"To what extent could such alternatives really benefit medical training and education in times of a pandemic? It seems so.",{"width":474,"height":475,"file":1683,"sizes":1684,"image_meta":1698},"2021\u002F03\u002F105_Do-scalable-simulations-prepare-for-medical-realities.png",{"medium":1685,"large":1688,"thumbnail":1691,"medium_large":1694,"1536x1536":1695},{"file":1686,"width":480,"height":481,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1687},"105_Do-scalable-simulations-prepare-for-medical-realities-370x208.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F03\u002F105_Do-scalable-simulations-prepare-for-medical-realities-370x208.png",{"file":1689,"width":485,"height":486,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1690},"105_Do-scalable-simulations-prepare-for-medical-realities-768x432.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F03\u002F105_Do-scalable-simulations-prepare-for-medical-realities-768x432.png",{"file":1692,"width":490,"height":490,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1693},"105_Do-scalable-simulations-prepare-for-medical-realities-150x150.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F03\u002F105_Do-scalable-simulations-prepare-for-medical-realities-150x150.png",{"file":1689,"width":485,"height":486,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1690},{"file":1696,"width":495,"height":496,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1697},"105_Do-scalable-simulations-prepare-for-medical-realities-1536x864.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F03\u002F105_Do-scalable-simulations-prepare-for-medical-realities-1536x864.png",{"aperture":143,"credit":64,"camera":64,"caption":64,"created_timestamp":143,"copyright":64,"focal_length":143,"iso":143,"shutter_speed":143,"title":64,"orientation":143},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F03\u002F105_Do-scalable-simulations-prepare-for-medical-realities.png",{"cta_type":147,"cta_color":64,"subtitle":64,"related_books":1701,"related_posts_footer":1702,"related_posts":16},[511,1469],[1134,1703,1704],32801,17898,{"yoast_wpseo_title":1706,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":1681,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":1648},"Alternate Realities Help Medical Education And Training During COVID-19 - The Medical Futurist",{"self":1708,"collection":1713,"about":1715,"author":1717,"replies":1719,"version-history":1722,"predecessor-version":1726,"wp:featuredmedia":1730,"wp:attachment":1733,"wp:term":1736,"curies":1747},[1709],{"href":1710,"targetHints":1711},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F33247",{"allow":1712},[27],[1714],{"href":171},[1716],{"href":174},[1718],{"embeddable":41,"href":177},[1720],{"embeddable":41,"href":1721},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=33247",[1723],{"count":1724,"href":1725},11,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F33247\u002Frevisions",[1727],{"id":1728,"href":1729},33339,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F33247\u002Frevisions\u002F33339",[1731],{"embeddable":41,"href":1732},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F33337",[1734],{"href":1735},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=33247",[1737,1739,1741,1743,1745],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":41,"href":1738},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=33247",{"taxonomy":199,"embeddable":41,"href":1740},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=33247",{"taxonomy":202,"embeddable":41,"href":1742},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=33247",{"taxonomy":205,"embeddable":41,"href":1744},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=33247",{"taxonomy":208,"embeddable":41,"href":1746},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=33247",[1748],{"name":39,"href":40,"templated":41},{"id":1750,"date":1751,"date_gmt":1752,"guid":1753,"modified":1755,"modified_gmt":1756,"slug":1757,"status":52,"type":53,"link":1758,"title":1759,"content":1761,"excerpt":1763,"author":325,"featured_media":1765,"comment_status":63,"ping_status":63,"sticky":41,"template":64,"format":65,"meta":1766,"categories":1767,"tags":1768,"project_category":1787,"contact_email_category":1788,"yst_prominent_words":1789,"class_list":1794,"better_featured_image":1815,"acf":1836,"yoast_meta":1842,"_links":1844},17353,"2021-02-17T10:00:55","2021-02-17T09:00:55",{"rendered":1754},"http:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?p=17353","2021-02-17T10:52:31","2021-02-17T09:52:31","the-future-of-sex-and-sexuality","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-future-of-sex-and-sexuality",{"rendered":1760},"The Technological Future Of Sexuality And Sexual Health",{"rendered":1762,"protected":16},"\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long-distance hugs; virtual reality porn stars; technosexuals living with automated dolls; you might have caught such news snippets online, but you’ll have to get used to these with the technological transformation of sex. Indeed, if technology permeates the entire terrain of human relations, why should sex and sexuality be an exception? \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sextech is already \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.forbes.com\u002Fsites\u002Fbernardmarr\u002F2020\u002F11\u002F30\u002Ffuture-of-intimacy-sex-bots-virtual-reality-and-smart-sex-toys\u002F\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a $30 billion-strong industry,\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> but analyses expect it to grow further to \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.prnewswire.com\u002Fnews-releases\u002Fglobal-52-7bn-sex-toys-market-outlook-2026---rising-presence-of-online-retailers-drives-the-industry-300973202.html\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$52.7 billion by 2026\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Such devices even made their way into the popular Consumer Electronic Show in \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.cnet.com\u002Fpictures\u002Fces-2020-all-the-sex-tech-on-display\u002F\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2020\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.welltodoglobal.com\u002Fsex-tech-takes-centre-stage-at-ces-2021\u002F\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2021\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> showing that tech and sex are increasingly getting intermingled. But far from Tinder, \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.techradar.com\u002Fnews\u002Fhackers-used-ransomware-to-lock-up-internet-enabled-chastity-device\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ransomware-prone male chastity devices\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ci>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ouch!\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fi>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) or dystopian scenarios, technology can also augment our sexual health, especially when it comes to stigmatised conditions. \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Science fiction creators have already explored such subjects with recent movies and shows. Spike Jonze’s \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ci>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Her \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fi>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(2013) told a beautiful love story between Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix) and an artificial intelligence (A.I.) operating system. In \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ci>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ex Machina\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fi>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2015), Alicia Vikander takes the character of a robot capable of interpreting and responding to human feelings, while also manipulating people in its environment. The popular HBO show \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ci>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Westworld \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fi>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">on the other hand depicted inhumane violence that humans can inflict on robotic companions.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether living out one’s sexual fantasies on robots affects real-life interactions with human partners or whether sex robots threaten the world’s oldest profession are such questions that we must contemplate. This is because advanced technologies will increasingly become commonplace in this area of our lives. As we step into\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the dawn of a new sexual revolution, it’s time to face where technology may take the most intimate area of our lives. \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For further insights we also talked with a transhumanist, a sexual health tech startup and a technosexual; because even though this year’s Valentine’s Day seemed like any other, those in coming years might be wildly different.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch1>\u003Cb>Sex and companionship during the pandemic\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fh1>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The need to limit travel and to introduce lockdowns amidst the pandemic impacted our sexual lives like nothing before. Many had no physical contacts with their partners for months and as a consequence, we had to adapt. As work and shopping increasingly turned to virtual solutions, so did sex. Sexting \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmashable.com\u002Farticle\u002Fsexting-nudes-increase-coronavirus-quarantine\u002F\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">saw a rise\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as did the \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ftheconversation.com\u002Fcybersex-erotic-tech-and-virtual-intimacy-are-on-the-rise-during-covid-19-141769\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sale of sextech\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. More and more people \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmashable.com\u002Farticle\u002Finfluencer-onlyfans-sex-work\u002F\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">flocked to OnlyFans\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a streaming platform mostly associated with digital sex work. \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffutureofsex.net\u002FFuture_of_Sex_Report.pdf\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Future of Sex report\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> more than 25% \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">of young people will have had a long-distance sexual experience.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other forms of companionship are also adopting socially-distant features. For “only” £250, you can get a \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcutecircuit.com\u002Fhugshirt\u002F\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HugShirt\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This smart shirt \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">allows people to send hugs over distance – just like a text message. The wearer can feel the strength, duration, and location of the touch, skin warmth, and the heart rate of the sender.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> There’s now also the possibility to send a kiss remotely with the \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fkissenger.lovotics.com\u002F\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kissenger from Lovotics\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. By kissing the device’s artificial mouth on the sender end, the receiver device “\u003Cem>provides the convincing properties of the real kiss.”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For fans of sci-fi, Gatebox released the \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.otaquest.com\u002Fgatebox-to-begin-shipping-their-mass-production-model\u002F\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GTBX-100, \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">which is an Alexa-like virtual home assistant but with a more “human touch.” It features a cute humanoid hologram that “lives” in a capsule, allowing you to interact with “her” more naturally, and she can even act as the user’s wife.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Gatebox - Promotion Movie "OKAERI"_english\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FnkcKaNqfykg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Such contraptions might sound strange or even funny, but they can address real issues. Before the pandemic, a “\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.forbes.com\u002Fsites\u002Fneilhowe\u002F2019\u002F05\u002F03\u002Fmillennials-and-the-loneliness-epidemic\u002F\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loneliness epidemic\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">” was already spreading. Japan already had \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.japantimes.co.jp\u002Fnews\u002F2016\u002F09\u002F07\u002Fnational\u002Fjapan-home-541000-young-recluses-survey-finds\u002F\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">over half a million people\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> below 40 years of age who hadn’t had interactions with anyone or left their house for at least six months. Solo households’ share amounts to \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.cbc.ca\u002Fnews\u002Fpolitics\u002Fcensus-2016-marriage-children-families-1.4231163\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">28% in Canada\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fec.europa.eu\u002Feurostat\u002Fweb\u002Fproducts-eurostat-news\u002F-\u002FDDN-20180706-1\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">34% in the European Union\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loneliness can have \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.forbes.com\u002Fsites\u002Fneilhowe\u002F2019\u002F05\u002F03\u002Fmillennials-and-the-loneliness-epidemic\u002F\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">devastating health consequences\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like depression or even predispose to physical conditions like heart disease. As providing companionship and intimacy online becomes more adopted, such solutions could become more accessible to those wary of physical interactions.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch1>\u003Cb>Destigmatising sexual health\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fh1>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New technological approaches can also address other sensitive topics like sexual health. The latter is often stigmatised and a taboo subject for many. “\u003Cem>A positive relationship to sex shouldn’t be a privileged thing, it’s a fundamental human right\u003C\u002Fem>,” \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theguardian.com\u002Fcareers\u002F2020\u002Fjul\u002F06\u002Fa-journey-to-mindful-sex-how-a-new-app-is-helping-women-find-sexual-wellbeing\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">said Billie Quinlan\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, co-founder of Ferly. The latter is a “mindful sex app” for women that, based on one’s profile, suggests appropriate audio guides that vary from encouraging the user to self-touch and explore through challenging negative beliefs about one’s body to discussing gynaecological anatomy. The app even saw \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theguardian.com\u002Fcareers\u002F2020\u002Fjul\u002F06\u002Fa-journey-to-mindful-sex-how-a-new-app-is-helping-women-find-sexual-wellbeing\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a 65% increase\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in organic downloads during the pandemic.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cfigure id=\"attachment_32723\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32723\" style=\"width: 1304px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-32723\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F03\u002Fsex-health-app-sextech.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1304\" height=\"732\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F03\u002Fsex-health-app-sextech.jpg 1304w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F03\u002Fsex-health-app-sextech-370x208.jpg 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F03\u002Fsex-health-app-sextech-768x431.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1304px) 100vw, 1304px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption id=\"caption-attachment-32723\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: https:\u002F\u002Fmashable.com\u002F\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Men as well face the pressure of stigma when it comes to their sexual health. “\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cem>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Men’s health has a number of challenges, with everything from hard to access services to embarrassing conditions\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fem>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cem>,\u003C\u002Fem>” Sam Shah, Chief Medical Strategy Officer of \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Numan\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, told us \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fposts\u002Ftaking-stigma-of-47274999\">in an interview\u003C\u002Fa> on our Patreon channel. This startup focuses on men’s health including conditions such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.numan.com\u002F\">Numan\u003C\u002Fa> also provides personalised supplements to support men through their online platform.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“\u003Cem>Numan takes a different approach, its focus is on being helpful to the people using our services and also trying to take some of the stigma out of conditions such as erectile dysfunction,\u003C\u002Fem>” Shah added. “\u003Cem>We’re doing that using social marketing techniques, using advertising and messaging that people can identify with. By helping men engage with our service we can help solve some immediate problems, but more importantly help to diagnose other underlying conditions such as diabetes or testosterone deficiency.\u003C\u002Fem>”\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sam Shah also noted that during the pandemic, the number of people using their services and similar ones increased. Hopefully, adoption remains high post-pandemic.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch1>\u003Cb>Robots are coming to your bedroom\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.geminoid.jp\u002Fen\u002Findex.html\">\u003Cbr>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fh1>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Futurist Dr. Ian Pearson \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffinance.yahoo.com\u002Fnews\u002Frobots-mean-future-sex-163000549.html\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">previously estimated\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in a report that by 2050, human-robot sex will become more common than human-human sex.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Is there any chance for that to happen? Considering the state of technology, it might. \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Companies like \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.realdoll.com\u002F\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RealDoll\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Frealbotix.com\u002F\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Realbotix\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> manufacture A.I.-powered \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">adult dolls \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">endowed with facial expressions and conversing abilities. \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Realbotix’s iconic sex robot, Harmony, which can cost up to $12,000, \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.forbes.com\u002Fsites\u002Fandreamorris\u002F2020\u002F07\u002F28\u002Ftalk-to-your-sex-robot-about-covid-19\u002F\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">has even received an update\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that adds a coronavirus conversational feature.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Already, there are people with such robotic partners: the \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">so-called technosexuals. \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Among them is \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ftwitter.com\u002FDavecat\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Davecat,\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> who lives with his wife and mistress; both synthetic dolls. He told The Medical Futurist that being a technosexual has improved his life, without question. \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He said he felt isolated and alone, without a place in society. After he began his relationship with his synthetic partners, everything changed. He says he is now happy and that his friends accept his choice. He added his dolls were necessary to start living a better life.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Realbotix Sex Robot, Harmony discusses COVID-19 and depression.\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FzuTN3M1BYg0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While such dolls often err in \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fspectrum.ieee.org\u002Fautomaton\u002Frobotics\u002Fhumanoids\u002Fwhat-is-the-uncanny-valley\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the uncanny valley\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or when artificial human depictions look lifelike, but something still feels off; they are still sought after in the world’s oldest profession. From \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.scmp.com\u002Fnews\u002Fhong-kong\u002Fsociety\u002Farticle\u002F3078456\u002Ftourists-gone-hong-kong-guest-house-owner-hopes-sex-doll\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hong Kong\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.reviewjournal.com\u002Flocal\u002Flocal-las-vegas\u002Fsex-dolls-experience-raises-eyebrows-in-las-vegas-neighborhood-1950537\u002F\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Las Vegas\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.vox.com\u002Fthe-goods\u002F2018\u002F11\u002F26\u002F18113019\u002Fsex-doll-brothels-legal-sex-work\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sex doll brothels\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are now a reality. Europe’s first sex doll brothel, which opened in Barcelona, attracts \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.vice.com\u002Fen\u002Farticle\u002Fxgq54d\u002Finside-europes-first-sex-doll-brothel\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">around 55 clients every week\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Another brothel in the same city even “employs” both artificial and human prostitutes. Some \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.express.co.uk\u002Fnews\u002Fworld\u002F779841\u002FSex-robot-brothel-Lumidolls-Barcelona-prostitutes-complain-police\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">consider these newcomers as a threat\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to the trade\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and has even led to \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcampaignagainstsexrobots.org\u002F\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Campaign Against Sex Robots\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The latter was founded in 2015 “\u003Cem>to warn against the dangers of normalising relationships with machines and reinforcing female dehumanisation\u003C\u002Fem>”.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, Davecat told us that he thinks such companions can be adequate for lonely people, those unlucky in romance or not fitting in society. With the ability to not only listen but also respond, they can be a genuine benefit to thousands of individuals, he added.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch1>\u003Cb>VR takes porn into another reality… without ever replacing human contact\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fh1>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Going one step further from artificial dolls, the sex industry is also accommodating virtual, intangible sex workers altogether. Indeed\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the adult entertainment industry has always been on the cutting edge of technological revolution, \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">so it’s no wonder that industry experts estimate that virtual reality (VR) porn accounts for \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fskarredghost.com\u002F2019\u002F04\u002F12\u002Fstatus-of-augmented-reality-ar-porn\u002F\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">50% of the total VR market\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The biggest appeal of VR porn is that it gives the potential feeling of being \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ci>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">in\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fi>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the movie thanks to the 360-degree films that allow viewers to move their heads around\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (but not much else)\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, under COVID lockdown, it’s the closest thing to real sex some might experience. That’s why some VR porn companies have experienced as much as \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.insider.com\u002Fadult-entertainment-industry-seeing-rise-in-vr-porn-isolation-2020-3\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30% growth in sales\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> since lockdowns began. Even regular, 2D porn saw a boost as \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.insider.com\u002Fadult-entertainment-industry-seeing-rise-in-vr-porn-isolation-2020-3\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PornHub’s surge in traffic\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> attests. As \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.insider.com\u002Fnew-york-city-coronavirus-safe-sex-guide-rimming-masturbation-2020-3\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New York City health officials put it\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> ‘you are your safest sex partner’.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cfigure id=\"attachment_32725\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32725\" style=\"width: 950px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-32725\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F03\u002FVirtual-reality-VR-sex-relationship.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"950\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F03\u002FVirtual-reality-VR-sex-relationship.jpg 950w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F03\u002FVirtual-reality-VR-sex-relationship-370x208.jpg 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F03\u002FVirtual-reality-VR-sex-relationship-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption id=\"caption-attachment-32725\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: https:\u002F\u002Fmashable.com\u002F\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.insider.com\u002Fwhy-people-use-virtual-reality-porn-what-psychologists-think-2019-11\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">psychologists advise\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> indulging in VR porn with moderation. Otherwise, viewers might not satisfy themselves with real experiences and even grow dependent on it. “\u003Cem>No matter how real it feels and how much you enjoy it, that person on the screen is never going to replace proper human contact,\u003C\u002Fem>” \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.insider.com\u002Fadult-entertainment-industry-seeing-rise-in-vr-porn-isolation-2020-3\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">psychologist Perpetua Neo said\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: justify;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In extreme cases, it could even lead to so-called “\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.insider.com\u002Fadult-entertainment-industry-seeing-rise-in-vr-porn-isolation-2020-3\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">porn-induced erectile dysfunction.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">” It refers to viewers’ brains getting accustomed to such extreme levels of stimulation that they can’t get stimulated enough by their real-life partner.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch1>\u003Cb>Sextech and the future of society\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fh1>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At this point, \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">you might be experiencing a feeling of shock, outrage, frustration, amazement\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or the combination of all four. However, you should consider that technology is always developed as a response to \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">human needs\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are people who live in long-distance relationships and desperately lonely people. Others might have problems with monogamy or  forming long-lasting (sexual) relationships.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Others who live in marriage and everything else except sex is working just fine. \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some even struggle with their own sexuality and matters of sexual health. \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The future of sextech can offer solutions to live a fulfilling sexual life.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of course, these also \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bring along a host of ethical and moral questions about our relationships\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and our society as a whole. \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is VR sex cheating or a safe way to experiment? We could ask the same about A.I. sex dolls too. Moreover, should the latter be allowed to recreate questionable or downright immoral fantasies? \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“\u003Cem>Some robots are programmed to protest, to create a rape scenario\u003C\u002Fem>,” Dr Christine Hendren of Duke University \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bbc.com\u002Fnews\u002Fscience-environment-51330261\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">told BBC News\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. “\u003Cem>Some are designed to look like children. One developer of these in Japan is a self-confessed paedophile, who says that this device is a prophylactic against him ever hurting a real child.\u003C\u002Fem>” Researchers \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bbc.com\u002Fnews\u002Fscience-environment-51330261\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are already sounding the alarm\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that such robots present an increasing threat to individual, as well as societal, morals and psychology. \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cfigure id=\"attachment_32727\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32727\" style=\"width: 960px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-32727\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F03\u002Fsex-robot-doll-companion.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"960\" height=\"641\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F03\u002Fsex-robot-doll-companion.jpg 960w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F03\u002Fsex-robot-doll-companion-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption id=\"caption-attachment-32727\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: https:\u002F\u002Fwww.forbes.com\u002F\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We will have to increasingly address these tough issues in the coming years. But it better happen sooner so that the boundaries are well-established among all members of society. \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transhumanist \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fzoltan-istvan-and-the-jesus-singularity\u002F\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zoltan Istvan told us\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that the question is not how technology changes sexuality, but whether sexuality can survive technology. He doesn’t think it will. Sexuality, like all social rituals, is something that will not be needed in a world where offspring are born in a test tube or where the idea of having offspring is abandoned altogether.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On our end, we think that society, sexuality and technology should find a common ground. \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We should teach \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">younger generations\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> how to love, how to feel empathetic towards others, how to form long-lasting bonds; while also figuring out what place technology might get in our lives and sexuality. To preserve the core of being a human, we should do that soon. After all, what remains when the most precious human interactions – touching another human being with intimacy, care, and empathy – lose their authenticity and are completely replaced by robots and virtual reality?\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\u003Ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #eee; border-top: 4px solid #444;\" cellpadding=\"10px\">\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd style=\"width: 100%;\">\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>At The Medical Futurist, we are building a community for making a bold vision about the future of healthcare reality today.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dr. Bertalan Mesko, PhD, the Director of The Medical Futurist Institute, launched The Medical Futurist to help individuals, companies, and governments understand how digital health technologies bring healthcare into the 21st century.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">\u003Cem>“Digital health technologies empower patients to become proactive in their life; empower medical professionals to do their job being supported by advanced technologies, and companies and policymakers to make better decisions about their future.” – Dr. Bertalan Meskó\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To support this transformation, Dr. Meskó and The Medical Futurist team is working relentlessly analyzing the latest trends in digital health and bringing insights to the 800,000+ readers and followers of our publications, along these principles:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: #e71d3299;\">\u003Cstrong>The Medical Futurist is a place to learn, not a place for advertising\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fspan>. The Medical Futurist team is working to bring you unlimited access to reliable, neutral information, that is free from the influence of vendors and companies.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: #e71d3299;\">\u003Cstrong>Unlike many others, we keep 99% of The Medical Futurist content open for all readers\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fspan>, regardless of where they live or what they can afford to pay. We do this because we believe in information equality, where everyone deserves to read accurate news and thoughtful analysis.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>For 2021, we commit to another year of high-impact reporting that helps people navigate the jungle of digital health and to see where it is heading. With no shareholders or billionaire owners, we set our own agenda and provide unbiased insights that are free from commercial and political influence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you’d like to support this mission, we invite you to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\">join The Medical Futurist Patreon Community\u003C\u002Fa>. A community of empowered patients, future-oriented healthcare professionals, concerned health policymakers, sensible health tech developers, and enthusiastic medical students. If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our research and sustains our future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\">\u003Cstrong style=\"background-color: #e71d3299; color: #000;\">Click here to support The Medical Futurist from as little as $3\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa> – it only takes a minute. Thank you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Ftd>\n\u003C\u002Ftr>\n\u003C\u002Ftbody>\n\u003C\u002Ftable>\n\u003Cp> \u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":1764,"protected":16},"\u003Cp>Long-distance hugs; virtual reality porn stars; technosexuals living with automated dolls; you might have caught such news snippets online, but you’ll have to get used […]\u003C\u002Fp>\n",32755,{"_acf_changed":16,"footnotes":64},[1658,5,945,421,584,69],[76,1769,1770,1771,953,1772,1773,1774,112,1775,1776,1777,430,1778,1779,697,1780,1781,1782,1783,1784,424,1785,1786],6681,6683,6685,6687,6665,6689,167,6669,545,6671,830,6675,831,383,6677,832,6679,833,[701,440],[],[960,1790,961,1791,1792,593,84,86,706,1793],4511,1577,1583,2373,[1795,53,91,92,93,94,95,1673,97,969,452,598,98,104,1796,1797,1798,976,1799,1800,1801,1802,1803,1804,1805,460,1806,1807,723,1808,1809,1810,1811,1812,454,1813,1814,726,469],"post-17353","tag-sam-shah","tag-numan","tag-dr-ian-pearson","tag-davecat","tag-sextech","tag-istvan-zoltan","tag-hugshirt","tag-ces","tag-kissenger","tag-sensors","tag-gatebox","tag-sex","tag-alexa","tag-sexuality","tag-science-fiction","tag-loneliness-epidemic","tag-porn","tag-ferly","tag-cyborgization",{"id":1765,"alt_text":64,"caption":64,"description":1816,"media_type":110,"media_details":1817,"post":1834,"source_url":1835},"Long-distance hugs; virtual reality porn stars; technosexuals living with automated dolls – discover the technological transformation of sex.",{"width":474,"height":475,"file":1818,"sizes":1819,"image_meta":1833},"2021\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_246-01.png",{"medium":1820,"large":1823,"thumbnail":1826,"medium_large":1829,"1536x1536":1830},{"file":1821,"width":480,"height":481,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1822},"tmf_article_246-01-370x208.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_246-01-370x208.png",{"file":1824,"width":485,"height":486,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1825},"tmf_article_246-01-768x432.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_246-01-768x432.png",{"file":1827,"width":490,"height":490,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1828},"tmf_article_246-01-150x150.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_246-01-150x150.png",{"file":1824,"width":485,"height":486,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1825},{"file":1831,"width":495,"height":496,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1832},"tmf_article_246-01-1536x864.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_246-01-1536x864.png",{"aperture":143,"credit":64,"camera":64,"caption":64,"created_timestamp":143,"copyright":64,"focal_length":143,"iso":143,"shutter_speed":143,"title":64,"orientation":143},32713,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_246-01.png",{"related_posts":16,"related_posts_footer":1837,"cta_type":147,"cta_color":64,"subtitle":64,"related_books":1840},[1838,1839,926],31349,31879,[1841,1469],24757,{"yoast_wpseo_title":1843,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":1816,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":1758},"The Technological Future Of Sexuality And Sexual Health - The Medical Futurist",{"self":1845,"collection":1850,"about":1852,"author":1854,"replies":1856,"version-history":1859,"predecessor-version":1863,"wp:featuredmedia":1867,"wp:attachment":1870,"wp:term":1873,"curies":1884},[1846],{"href":1847,"targetHints":1848},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F17353",{"allow":1849},[27],[1851],{"href":171},[1853],{"href":174},[1855],{"embeddable":41,"href":372},[1857],{"embeddable":41,"href":1858},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=17353",[1860],{"count":1861,"href":1862},28,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F17353\u002Frevisions",[1864],{"id":1865,"href":1866},33453,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F17353\u002Frevisions\u002F33453",[1868],{"embeddable":41,"href":1869},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F32755",[1871],{"href":1872},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=17353",[1874,1876,1878,1880,1882],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":41,"href":1875},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=17353",{"taxonomy":199,"embeddable":41,"href":1877},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=17353",{"taxonomy":202,"embeddable":41,"href":1879},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=17353",{"taxonomy":205,"embeddable":41,"href":1881},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=17353",{"taxonomy":208,"embeddable":41,"href":1883},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=17353",[1885],{"name":39,"href":40,"templated":41},{"id":1887,"date":1888,"date_gmt":1889,"guid":1890,"modified":1892,"modified_gmt":1893,"slug":1894,"status":52,"type":53,"link":1895,"title":1896,"content":1898,"excerpt":1900,"author":61,"featured_media":1902,"comment_status":63,"ping_status":63,"sticky":41,"template":64,"format":65,"meta":1903,"categories":1904,"tags":1905,"project_category":1922,"contact_email_category":1923,"yst_prominent_words":1924,"class_list":1927,"better_featured_image":1945,"acf":1968,"yoast_meta":1974,"_links":1976},32571,"2021-02-09T10:00:00","2021-02-09T09:00:00",{"rendered":1891},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=32571&_wpnonce=54003b3301&status=auto-draft&type=post","2021-02-15T23:20:56","2021-02-15T22:20:56","digital-health-in-aesthetics","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fdigital-health-in-aesthetics",{"rendered":1897},"Digital Health In Plastic Surgery And Cosmetics",{"rendered":1899,"protected":16},"\n\u003Cp>On February 9, 2037 at 6:48 a.m. your \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-smart-sleep-alarm-is-the-holy-grail-of-health-tracking\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">smart sleep alarm\u003C\u002Fa> nudges you to wake up. Picking up your phone and activating the front camera, you take your daily selfie. This one is not for social media but rather it’s to have a smart algorithm analyse the picture. It will subsequently determine whether your personalised ointment is effective against those pesky acnes. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>After getting a report in seconds, you make your way to the bathroom to freshen up before making breakfast. As you sip your coffee, you get a reminder from your telehealth app that your dental surgery is coming up later this week. It also sends a notification that lets you visualise and customise, through \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Faugmented-reality-in-healthcare-will-be-revolutionary\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">augmented reality (AR) technology\u003C\u002Fa>, how you would like your teeth to look like after the reconstructive procedure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F11\u002F0625_berlin_teledentistry-768x432.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30913\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F11\u002F0625_berlin_teledentistry-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F11\u002F0625_berlin_teledentistry-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F11\u002F0625_berlin_teledentistry-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F11\u002F0625_berlin_teledentistry-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2016\u002F11\u002F0625_berlin_teledentistry.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>2037 might seem like it’s in the distant future, but the technologies depicted are already a reality today. Artificial intelligence (A.I.), AR, facial recognition technology and other internet-connected tools will give reconstructive surgery, dentistry and healthcare as a whole an overdue facelift; essentially setting the pace for a so-called cyber-aesthetics era. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>These technologies assist medical professionals in their craft, while also democratising access to care and one’s own data outside the confines of the ivory tower of medicine. Join us as we take a peek into the technologies shaping up the future of aesthetic medicine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>A.I. for prognoses, diagnoses and planning in plastic surgery\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>By utilising A.I.-based technology, plastic surgeons can advance their surgical practice. This is what a \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Fpmc\u002Farticles\u002FPMC7647513\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">recent systematic literature review\u003C\u002Fa> concluded. The way A.I. can do so is through predicting prognoses and diagnoses that can aid plastic surgeons in decision-making.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>For instance, as far back as the early 2000s, researchers developed a machine learning (ML) model that assesses burn depth and healing time based on data from a portable reflective spectrophotometer with \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Fpmc\u002Farticles\u002FPMC7647513\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">some 86% accuracy\u003C\u002Fa>. The model could further tell which burns would heal before 14 days with an accuracy of 96% and those healing later with an accuracy of 75%. In practice, such insights could help guide physicians regarding which patients need closer follow-ups; as well as which ones can be discharged earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F10\u002F214_tmf-01-1-768x432.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30807\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F10\u002F214_tmf-01-1-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F10\u002F214_tmf-01-1-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F10\u002F214_tmf-01-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F10\u002F214_tmf-01-1.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>More recently, in 2019, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Fpmc\u002Farticles\u002FPMC6753131\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">scientists developed a supervised ML model\u003C\u002Fa> to successfully diagnose jaw surgery patients from a 3D scan. The algorithm can even simulate surgical outcomes in a 3D model. The authors propose that their method can help surgeons in surgical planning as well as patient education.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Facial recognition to tell the medical tale\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Ever tried a face filter on Snapchat? It uses \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fyour-guide-to-facial-recognition-technology-in-healthcare\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">facial recognition technology\u003C\u002Fa> (FRT), whose use doesn’t end with strapping virtual glasses to your face or making a rainbow emerge out of your mouth. Combining image analysis and deep neural networks, FRT recognises and interprets patterns from facial characteristics which can reveal a range of medical conditions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"497\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F11\u002FFRT-in-medicine-768x497.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25337\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F11\u002FFRT-in-medicine-768x497.jpeg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F11\u002FFRT-in-medicine-1536x994.jpeg 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F11\u002FFRT-in-medicine-512x331.jpeg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F11\u002FFRT-in-medicine.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>Source: https:\u002F\u002Fbecominghuman.ai\u002F\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>For example, the \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.face2gene.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">Face2Gene app\u003C\u002Fa> allows clinicians to detect rare genetic conditions like \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FCornelia_de_Lange_syndrome\" target=\"_blank\">Cornelia de Lange syndrome\u003C\u002Fa>. These patients exhibit characteristic facial features, but that can be missed by physicians. This is because they simply might not have come across those during their clinical practice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Another app developed by \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nuralogix.ai\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">Nuralogix\u003C\u002Fa> uses FRT along with \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nuralogix.ai\u002Ftechnology\" target=\"_blank\">transdermal optical imaging\u003C\u002Fa> to extract facial blood flow information from the face. This allows the app to estimate stress level, heart rate and a range of cardiovascular parameters from your phone’s camera. However, the company states that their app is “\u003Cem>intended to improve your awareness of general wellness\u003C\u002Fem>” and isn’t meant for medical purposes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Virtual assistant for surgical FAQs\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Surgical patients have a lot of questions buzzing around their heads; but they might not always find the opportunity to ask or get an answer from physicians. A virtual assistant could fill this gap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F02\u002F012_health_chatbot-1-768x432.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26459\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F02\u002F012_health_chatbot-1-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F02\u002F012_health_chatbot-1-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F02\u002F012_health_chatbot-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F02\u002F012_health_chatbot-1-512x288.png 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F02\u002F012_health_chatbot-1-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F02\u002F012_health_chatbot-1.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Researchers from the Mayo Clinic \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002F32032120\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">shared their findings in 2020\u003C\u002Fa> after developing an A.I.-based virtual assistant to answer 10 frequently asked questions (FAQs) queried by plastic surgery patients in their institution. After a training period, their smartphone app provided an appropriate answer 92.3% of the time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The authors already anticipate the integration of such an assistant in the clinical setting. It could serve as a means to improve patient support and free up surgeons’ precious time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Getting your new smile on with AR\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>When it comes to reconstructive and aesthetic procedures, it might prove challenging to visualize the end results on the actual patient. However, with AR technology, patients can see how their appearance changes after a procedure, even before entering the OT.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube aligncenter wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"One-minute Challenge: Augmented Reality - The Medical Futurist\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FxUaBrgsHkPs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This is already prevalent in dental practice such as with the AR apps developed by \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fsmartteksas.com\u002Faugmented-reality-smile-application\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">SmartTek\u003C\u002Fa> and \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.kapanu.com\u002F\">Kapanu\u003C\u002Fa>. These use a phone’s camera to overlay virtual depictions of the improved set of teeth prior to the procedure. This allows patients and dentists to configure features of the dentition such as height and spacing to their liking before they even enter the surgery room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Similarly, to help potential customers get an idea about how they will look like after straightening their teeth with the company’s aligners, Invisalign developed \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.invisalign.co.uk\u002Fsmile-view#search\" target=\"_blank\">an online “smile visualisation” tool\u003C\u002Fa>. By uploading a selfie, they can see a computer-generated simulation of what their smile may look like after the Invisalign treatment. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Personalised skincare\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In the introductory paragraph, our futuristic depiction made mention of personalised ointment. Skincare devices are already available today that enable one to order such products at home. Shiseido’s \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcorp.shiseido.com\u002Fen\u002Fnews\u002Fdetail.html?n=00000000002712\" target=\"_blank\">Optune\u003C\u002Fa> smart skincare device released in 2019 does this. Its \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbuiltin.com\u002Fcorporate-innovation\u002Fbeauty-tech-loreal-estee-lauder-shiseido\" target=\"_blank\">companion A.I.-based app\u003C\u002Fa> analyses photos of the user, their sleep pattern for any disruptions and location-based environmental data such as temperature and humidity to create a custom moisturiser that is then shipped to the customer. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"748\" height=\"796\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F02\u002FSpotscan-personalized-skincare-app.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32573\"\u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>Source: https:\u002F\u002Fuk.spotscan.com\u002F\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>For those suffering from acne, L’Oréal’s La Roche-Posay brand and Chinese tech giant Alibaba Group launched the \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fuk.spotscan.com\u002F#\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">Effaclar Spotscan\u003C\u002Fa>. Trained on thousands of images of different skin types and spots, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mintel.com\u002Fblog\u002Fbeauty-market-news\u002F5-brands-revolutionising-beauty-through-technology\" target=\"_blank\">their A. I.-based app analyses selfies\u003C\u002Fa> to identify the user’s type of acne lesions. Subsequently, it provides personalised skincare tips as well as alerts users if they should consult a medical professional.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>An ethical cyber-aesthetic future\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Since several of these technologies poised to shape the future of aesthetic medicine involve A. I. and virtually all deal with sensitive personal data, ethical use and development of these tools becomes a must.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In a previous article, we highlighted \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fa-i-bias-in-healthcare\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">the inherent bias in the health data\u003C\u002Fa> fed to algorithms. Authors of \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Fpmc\u002Farticles\u002FPMC7647513\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">the aforementioned systematic review\u003C\u002Fa> also note the importance of quality assurance of data used in A. I. algorithms; especially when it comes to augmenting patient treatment decisions. “\u003Cem>The data sets used to train the ML systems must be representative of the population for which it is intended\u003C\u002Fem>,” they propose. “\u003Cem>Providers must make efforts to optimise the data and algorithms to best benefit their patients\u003C\u002Fem>.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F09\u002F10-21-2018-Digitalist_Q1_AI-Bias_F-768x240.jpg\" alt=\"A.I. Bias\" class=\"wp-image-24879\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F09\u002F10-21-2018-Digitalist_Q1_AI-Bias_F-768x240.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F09\u002F10-21-2018-Digitalist_Q1_AI-Bias_F-1536x480.jpg 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F09\u002F10-21-2018-Digitalist_Q1_AI-Bias_F-512x160.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F09\u002F10-21-2018-Digitalist_Q1_AI-Bias_F.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>Source: www.geneticliteracyproject.org\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Of course, now that data is the new oil, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fyour-privacy-in-the-digital-health-era-the-medical-futurists-guide\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">privacy concerns\u003C\u002Fa> are heightened when these tools are employed by patients. When such apps and devices are rolled out, the privacy and security of users’ data must be guaranteed. Otherwise, adoption and general trust towards such options will plummet. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Only when an ethical development of the underlying algorithms and secured handling of user data is assured will each and everyone of us make the most out of the convenience of our cyber-aesthetic tools. Hopefully, it will happen before 2037.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #eee; border-top: 4px solid #444;\" cellpadding=\"10px\">\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd style=\"width: 100%;\">\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>At The Medical Futurist, we are building a community for making a bold vision about the future of healthcare reality today.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dr. Bertalan Mesko, PhD, the Director of The Medical Futurist Institute, launched The Medical Futurist to help individuals, companies, and governments understand how digital health technologies bring healthcare into the 21st century.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">\u003Cem>“Digital health technologies empower patients to become proactive in their life; empower medical professionals to do their job being supported by advanced technologies, and companies and policymakers to make better decisions about their future.” – Dr. Bertalan Meskó\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To support this transformation, Dr. Meskó and The Medical Futurist team is working relentlessly analyzing the latest trends in digital health and bringing insights to the 800,000+ readers and followers of our publications, along these principles:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: #e71d3299;\">\u003Cstrong>The Medical Futurist is a place to learn, not a place for advertising\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fspan>. The Medical Futurist team is working to bring you unlimited access to reliable, neutral information, that is free from the influence of vendors and companies.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: #e71d3299;\">\u003Cstrong>Unlike many others, we keep 99% of The Medical Futurist content open for all readers\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fspan>, regardless of where they live or what they can afford to pay. We do this because we believe in information equality, where everyone deserves to read accurate news and thoughtful analysis.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>For 2021, we commit to another year of high-impact reporting that helps people navigate the jungle of digital health and to see where it is heading. With no shareholders or billionaire owners, we set our own agenda and provide unbiased insights that are free from commercial and political influence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you’d like to support this mission, we invite you to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\">join The Medical Futurist Patreon Community\u003C\u002Fa>. A community of empowered patients, future-oriented healthcare professionals, concerned health policymakers, sensible health tech developers, and enthusiastic medical students. If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our research and sustains our future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\">\u003Cstrong style=\"background-color: #e71d3299; color: #000;\">Click here to support The Medical Futurist from as little as $3\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa> – it only takes a minute. Thank you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Ftd>\n\u003C\u002Ftr>\n\u003C\u002Ftbody>\n\u003C\u002Ftable>\n\u003Cp> \u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":1901,"protected":16},"\u003Cp>On February 9, 2037 at 6:48 a.m. your smart sleep alarm nudges you to wake up. Picking up your phone and activating the front camera, […]\u003C\u002Fp>\n",32701,{"_acf_changed":16,"footnotes":64},[230,5,947,233],[1906,1907,1908,423,1909,695,1910,1911,699,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,78,1919,1920,1921],6593,6595,6597,6599,6601,967,6603,1433,6605,1535,6277,6609,6587,6611,6589,6591,[701,80,440,441],[],[590,706,710,1670,1925,714,449,444,1926,336],3657,1693,[1928,53,91,92,93,94,95,244,97,971,247,1929,1930,1931,453,1932,721,1933,1934,725,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,106,1942,1943,1944,726,107,469,470],"post-32571","tag-face2gene","tag-nuralogix","tag-smarttek","tag-kapanu","tag-invisalign","tag-aesthetics","tag-shiseido","tag-privacy","tag-optune","tag-facial-recognition","tag-mayo-clinic","tag-alibaba","tag-facelift","tag-effaclar","tag-plastic-surgery","tag-ml",{"id":1902,"alt_text":64,"caption":64,"description":1946,"media_type":110,"media_details":1947,"post":1887,"source_url":1967},"AI, AR, facial recognition technology and other tools give plastic surgery, dentistry and healthcare give aesthetics a much-needed facelift.",{"width":1948,"height":1949,"file":1950,"sizes":1951,"image_meta":1965},2000,1125,"2021\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_2441.png",{"medium":1952,"large":1955,"thumbnail":1958,"medium_large":1961,"1536x1536":1962},{"file":1953,"width":119,"height":120,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1954},"tmf_article_2441-370x208.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_2441-370x208.png",{"file":1956,"width":126,"height":127,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1957},"tmf_article_2441-768x432.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_2441-768x432.png",{"file":1959,"width":132,"height":132,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1960},"tmf_article_2441-150x150.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_2441-150x150.png",{"file":1956,"width":126,"height":127,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1957},{"file":1963,"width":138,"height":139,"mime-type":121,"source_url":1964},"tmf_article_2441-1536x864.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_2441-1536x864.png",{"aperture":143,"credit":64,"camera":64,"caption":64,"created_timestamp":143,"copyright":64,"focal_length":143,"iso":143,"shutter_speed":143,"title":64,"orientation":143,"keywords":1966},[],"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_2441.png",{"cta_type":147,"cta_color":64,"subtitle":64,"related_books":1969,"related_posts_footer":1970,"related_posts":16},[511,150],[1971,1972,1973],20711,22813,30847,{"yoast_wpseo_title":1975,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":1946,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":1895},"Digital Health In Plastic Surgery And Cosmetics - The Medical Futurist",{"self":1977,"collection":1982,"about":1984,"author":1986,"replies":1988,"version-history":1991,"predecessor-version":1995,"wp:featuredmedia":1999,"wp:attachment":2002,"wp:term":2005,"curies":2016},[1978],{"href":1979,"targetHints":1980},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F32571",{"allow":1981},[27],[1983],{"href":171},[1985],{"href":174},[1987],{"embeddable":41,"href":177},[1989],{"embeddable":41,"href":1990},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=32571",[1992],{"count":1993,"href":1994},15,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F32571\u002Frevisions",[1996],{"id":1997,"href":1998},32831,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F32571\u002Frevisions\u002F32831",[2000],{"embeddable":41,"href":2001},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F32701",[2003],{"href":2004},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=32571",[2006,2008,2010,2012,2014],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":41,"href":2007},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=32571",{"taxonomy":199,"embeddable":41,"href":2009},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=32571",{"taxonomy":202,"embeddable":41,"href":2011},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=32571",{"taxonomy":205,"embeddable":41,"href":2013},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=32571",{"taxonomy":208,"embeddable":41,"href":2015},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=32571",[2017],{"name":39,"href":40,"templated":41},[],[],1786367669829]