Image credit: Apple
Apple Vision Pro can be useful both in the operating room and beyond, according to developers new ways to use spatial computing.
In February, Apple released Apple Vision Pro, which attracted the attention of healthcare professionals for its potential applications. Thanks to this technology, healthcare developers can now create applications that have the potential to revolutionize areas such as clinical education, surgical planning, training, medical imaging and behavioral health.
“We're thrilled to see the incredible applications that developers in the healthcare community are bringing to Apple Vision Pro,” Susan Prescott, Apple's vice president of global developer relations, said in a press release.
“The imagination and passion of our developers, combined with the technical capabilities of VisionOS, are opening up new possibilities for doctors, professionals and even students, and we can't wait to see what's next. ”
Stryker, a healthcare corporation known for its Mako SmartRobotics used in total hip replacement, knee replacement and partial knee replacement, is one such company working with Apple Vision Pro. The new myMako app allows surgeons to visualize and view patients' Mako surgical plans in an immersive experience.
CyranoHealth is another healthcare app that has found success on Apple Vision Pro, designed to train front-line healthcare workers in the use of new equipment such as medical infusion pumps.
Siemens Healthineers has developed the Cinematic Reality application, which is available on Apple Vision Pro. The app allows users such as surgeons, medical students and patients to view immersive, interactive holograms of the human body obtained through medical scanning in their real-life environment.
The app uses Metal and the power of the M2 processor to integrate advanced path-tracing technology that simulates how light interacts with virtual objects. This feature provides the user with realistic lighting and reflections.
Image courtesy of Apple
Epic Systems, a medical records company, introduces the Epic Spatial Computing concept for Apple Vision Pro. Doctors and clinicians can use intuitive gestures for charting, viewing lab results, secure chatting, and shopping cart workflows. They can tap, swipe, or type using the virtual keyboard or dictation.
Behavioral health can also benefit from the unique capabilities of Apple Vision Pro. Xaia uses a trained digital avatar to offer patients AI-enabled conversational mental health support in a relaxing spatial environment where they can also engage in deep breathing and meditation exercises. Patients may decide to stay where they are or change the environment to something more relaxing, such as the beach.
In January, a surgeon who used Google Glass in the operating room was excited about the launch of Apple Vision Pro, believing the mixed reality headset could be a great tool for documenting during surgeries.
Apple, for its part, is also excited about the potential use cases for Apple Vision Pro. Apple CEO Mike Rockwell said the device could be used to help healthcare workers manage patient information during surgery.
