'Like you’ve stepped a little bit into the future': Mixed reality technology being used to treat patients at LHSC
A new mixed reality research project is taking x-rays to a whole new level at London Health Sciences Centre.
“The HoloLens technology allows those virtual screens to be placed wherever the physician wants. Kind of maintains the contact between the physician and the patient,” explained Jonathan Collier, an interventional radiology technologist.
Wearing a special mixed reality headset, Collier looks at and manipulates a volume rendered virtual model, or hologram, of an anatomized brain aneurysm. He can manipulate the hologram and move it into place exactly where he wants, allowing him to perform a minimally invasive procedure with great accuracy.
The best part for the operating physician, is that they no longer have to look at a traditional monitor off to the side or in another part of the room.
Division Lead for Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology at LHSC Dr. Sachin Pandey was among the first to use the Microsoft HoloLens.
He said patients are duly impressed.
“Oh well you can imagine, there is a certain kind of wow factor to it right, you feel like you’ve stepped a little bit into the future,” he explained.
Interventional radiology technologist Jonathan Collier wears a mixed reality headset in London, Ont. on March 7, 2024. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London)
“The benefit of the patient, in theory, is they get the undivided attention physically and mentally of their doctor. In fact, that talking and being responsive to the patient is a big part of what makes it a tolerable experience for people. So again. Any barrier you can remove from the patient helps do that,” he added.
The software for HoloLens was developed by Dr. David Hocking, a diagnostic and interventional radiologist at LHSC. He said he saw a way to achieve better patient outcomes.
“The closer you can bring your visual field to where you’re working, the better your accuracy. And this allows us to put the screen front and centre with the patient,” he said.
The mixed reality research project is supported by more than $1 million in funding from the London Health Sciences Foundation and the Children’s Health Foundation.
“This is a pilot project so we are right at the baby steps of where I think this can be generalized,” said Pandey.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. teen with Canada's first human case of avian flu in critical condition, Dr. Bonnie Henry says
The teenager who is sick with the first-ever human case of avian influenza acquired in Canada is in hospital in critical condition, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Tuesday.
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead new ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ in Trump administration
President-elect Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency” in his second administration.
Here's why thieves may be stealing butter in Canada
The case of the missing butter remains a mystery, but some have ideas on what's behind the unusual crimes.
Former B.C. premier John Horgan dies at 65
Former B.C. premier John Horgan, a popular leader renowned for his affable personality and dedicated public service, has died
Alleged serial killer previously pled guilty to 2018 attack on Waterloo, Ont. bus
The woman accused of killing three people in three days in three Ontario cities also previously admitted to attacking strangers on buses in the Region of Waterloo.
Air Canada to add new routes to U.S., Europe and North Africa in summer 2025
Getting to destinations in the U.S., Europe and North Africa is about to get easier, as Air Canada announced it will be increasing flights to a number of new destinations this summer.
Body found in Montreal park identified as cryptocurrency influencer
The body of a man that was found in a park in the Ahunstic-Cartierville borough last month has been identified as cryptocurrency influencer Kevin Mirshahi.
History in Halifax is slowly being wiped off the map: study
Saint Mary's University archeologist Jonathan Fowler is sounding an alarm with a new study. According to Fowler, the centuries-old architecture that adds to Halifax’s heritage and historic vibe is slowly being wiped away as the city grows.
2-year-old gorilla 'Eyare' dies unexpectedly at Calgary Zoo
A young gorilla at the Calgary Zoo has died. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo announced a member of its western lowland gorilla troop passed away unexpectedly, in a news release Tuesday.