Revolutionizing Heart Surgery

During a recent atrial fibrillation ablation procedure, surgeons utilized the Apple Vision Pro headset, allowing them to visualize a 3D model of the heart in real time. Clinical Associate Professor Alexander C. Perino, MD, emphasizes the seamless integration of technology into patient care. He says, “This technology acts as a unique monitor, allowing us to manipulate and interact with data [through simple hand gestures and voice commands] in ways we never could before. I can scale images to any size, move them around the room, and access vital information without the distraction of multiple physical screens.”

“What if we could actually just take the three-dimensional model and put it in the patient where the heart actually is?” – Albert ‘A.J.’ Rogers

Fred Hizal, PhD, manager of innovation and design in Biomedical Engineering, highlights the potential of this technology, stating, “This is sort of a free canvas that we can design to project live video images [such as a 3D mapping of a heart] onto the screen.” This capability allows for a more natural interaction with the surgical environment, enhancing both the surgeon’s focus and the patient’s safety.

Instructor Albert “A.J.” Rogers, MD, notes the intuitive nature of this technology, asking, “What if we could actually just take the three-dimensional model and put it in the patient where the heart actually is?” This vision is becoming a reality, as AR allows for a more immersive and efficient experience for healthcare providers as they perform lifesaving procedures.

As the medical field continues to evolve, Stanford Cardiovascular Medicine is at the forefront, exploring how AR can transform surgical practices and improve physicians’ access to vital medical information at crucial moments.