Virtual and augmented reality for biomedical applications

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Mythreye Venkatesan, Georgia Institute of Technology; Harini Mohan, Georgia Institute of Technology; Juistin R Ryan, Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego; Christian M Schurch, Stanford University School of Medicine; Garry P Nolan, Stanford University School of Medicine; David H Frakes, Georgia Institute of Technology; Ahmet F Coskun, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2021-07-21
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2021 The Author(s)
• License: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrm.2021.100348
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Cell Reports
• Volume: 2
• Issue: 7
• Keywords: biomedical applications; VR devices; 3D visualization technologies
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Pathology; Engineering, Biomedical

Abstract

3D visualization technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) have gained popularity in the recent decade. Digital extended reality (XR) technologies have been adopted in various domains ranging from entertainment to education because of their accessibility and affordability. XR modalities create an immersive experience, enabling 3D visualization of the content without a conventional 2D display constraint. Here, we provide a perspective on XR in current biomedical applications and demonstrate case studies using cell biology concepts, multiplexed proteomics images, surgical data for heart operations, and cardiac 3D models. Emerging challenges associated with XR technologies in the context of adverse health effects and a cost comparison of distinct platforms are discussed. The presented XR platforms will be useful for biomedical education, medical training, surgical guidance, and molecular data visualization to enhance trainees’ and students’ learning, medical operation accuracy, and the comprehensibility of complex biological systems.