Mixed Reality in the Operating Room: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Mixed Reality is a technology that has gained attention due to its unique capabilities for accessing and visualizing information.
When integrated with voice control mechanisms, gestures and even iris movement, it becomes a valuable tool for
medicine. These features are particularly appealing for the operating room and surgical learning, where access to information
and freedom of hand operation are fundamental. This study examines the most significant research on mixed reality in the
operating room over the past five years, to identify the trends, use cases, its applications and limitations. A systematic review
was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines
to answer the research questions established using the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator and Outcome) framework.
Although implementation of Mixed Reality applications in the operations room presents some challenges, when used
appropriately, it can yield remarkable results. It can make learning easier, flatten the learning curve for several procedures,
and facilitate various aspects of the surgical processes. The articles’ conclusions highlight the potential benefits of these
innovations in surgical practice while acknowledging the challenges that must be addressed. Technical complexity, equipment
costs, and steep learning curves present significant obstacles to the widespread adoption of Mixed Reality and computerassisted
evaluation. The need for more flexible approaches and comprehensive studies is underscored by the specificity of
procedures and limited samples sizes. The integration of imaging modalities and innovative functionalities holds promise
for clinical applications. However, it is important to consider issues related to usability, bias, and statistical analyses. Mixed
Reality offers significant benefits, but there are still open challenges such as ergonomic issues, limited field of view, and
battery autonomy that must be addressed to ensure widespread acceptance.
