A team of medical professionals at a hospital in London recently utilized the Apple Vision Pro headset during two spinal surgeries. The device, which comes with a price tag of $3,500, has been described as a “game-changing” tool by doctors. Although the doctors themselves did not wear the Vision Pro, a scrub nurse reportedly wore the VR goggles during the surgeries. The headset was used to display virtual screens in the operating room, aiding in the selection of tools and monitoring the progress of the surgeries.
The software utilized by the hospital was developed by eXeX, a company specializing in AI-driven apps for surgeons. One of the surgeons at the hospital expressed enthusiasm about the impact of using the Apple Vision Pro, stating that it has significantly improved patient care. The team at the hospital is proud to be the first in the UK and Europe to utilize this technology in surgery.
In addition to the medical field, the Vision Pro is being utilized in other industries as well. A company called Stryker has developed the “myMako” app for the Vision Pro, which assists doctors in creating surgical plans for hip and knee replacements using 3D models and other tools. Various other companies and developers have also harnessed the capabilities of the Vision Pro for medical training and education through apps like Fundamental Surgery, CollaboratOR 3D, and Complete HeartX.
Apple has highlighted the potential of the Vision Pro in healthcare, emphasizing the development of new apps that were previously not feasible. The company’s visionOS platform is enabling healthcare developers to create innovative applications that are transforming areas such as clinical education, surgical planning, training, medical imaging, and behavioral health.
The use of the Vision Pro in surgeries aligns with Apple’s broader initiatives in the healthcare sector. The company is positioning the Vision Pro as an enterprise device that can benefit professionals across various fields, from artists to accountants, by providing additional virtual reality screens. Apple has been making significant strides in healthcare with products like the Apple Watch, which offers heart-tracking capabilities, and features on the iPhone that focus on sleep tracking.
