The insertion and impact of emerging technologies has transformed multiple sectors, with the healthcare field being one of the most benefited in recent years. These innovations include augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), which are often integrated into what is known as mixed reality or hybrid reality. This technological fusion is revolutionizing medical education, surgical planning and assistance in complex interventions.
AR and VR allow healthcare professionals and medical students to immerse themselves in simulated clinical environments, facilitating hands-on learning and skill acquisition in realistic and safe conditions. In the surgical context, these tools are especially valuable for planning complex procedures: the use of virtual models allows surgeries to be rehearsed before being performed on the real patient. A prime example is the creation of digital twins or virtual twins of anatomical structures, such as tumors and their environment, which can then be 3D printed. This provides the surgeon with an accurate representation of the surgical scenario, allowing him or her to anticipate and approach the intervention with greater safety and control.
This digitization process is complemented by other key advances such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), nanotechnology and other emerging tools that are redefining 21st century medicine.
Augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and extended reality (XR) provide numerous possibilities and solutions in medicine: from the training of new doctors and practitioners with simulators and immersive encyclopedias, programs to sensitize patients before an operation, to greater precision in surgical interventions thanks to robotics and virtual environments.
The Potential of Augmented Reality in Modern Medicine
Augmented reality consists of superimposing digital elements -such as images, graphics or data- on the real physical environment, enriching the perception of the world around us without replacing it. Unlike virtual reality, in AR the user maintains direct contact with the real environment, to which complementary computer-generated information is added.
This technology is implemented through devices such as smartphones, tablets or smart glasses, and allows interaction with digital elements in an intuitive and immersive way. Its potential in healthcare is vast and continues to grow rapidly.
Some outstanding examples of its application in health are:
Assistance in emergency situations
Applications that show, in real time, the location of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in the immediate environment, enabling a faster response to cardiac arrest.
Improved blood collection
Using portable scanners, an accurate image of the venous system is projected onto the patient’s skin, facilitating venous access by healthcare personnel and reducing errors or failed attempts.
Surgical intervention support
AR software offers surgeons an “augmented view” of the human body, integrating enhanced images (such as CT or MRI scans) directly into their field of vision, allowing them to operate with greater precision and safety, as if they had “X-ray vision”.
AR represents a breakthrough towards a more visual, interactive and accurate medicine, improving both diagnosis and clinical and surgical procedures.
The Role of Virtual Reality in Healthcare Innovation
Unlike augmented reality, virtual reality offers a fully immersive experience that isolates the user from the real world. Using special glasses that fully cover the visual field, and in many cases motion controllers, VR allows the user to enter three-dimensional digital environments, interact with them and feel present in a simulated world.
In this experience, contact with the physical environment disappears completely, which opens the door to therapeutic, educational and rehabilitative applications of great value, especially in the field of health.
Some relevant examples of its use in medicine include:
Mental health
Virtual reality is used in controlled exposure therapies, relaxation techniques, concentration and stress reduction. It is especially useful in the treatment of phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders or autism spectrum disorders, as it allows the recreation of specific environments in a safe and personalized way.
Reminiscence therapy for people with Alzheimer’s disease
Personalized virtual environments are created that transport the patient to significant places in his or her life, with the aim of stimulating memory and promoting emotional connection, thus helping to improve the quality of life of those suffering from dementia.
Physical rehabilitation
Through interactive exercises and games, VR is used to help patients recover mobility, coordination and muscle strength. Gamification of therapy increases motivation and adherence to treatment.
Virtual reality is emerging as a powerful and versatile tool in healthcare, providing innovative solutions for the treatment, rehabilitation and psychological well-being of patients.
Real cases of application of new technologies in hospitals
Below are some specific examples of hospitals in which Tedisel Medical has been actively involved, promoting the incorporation of innovative technologies such as technical panels and software.
Hospital Clínic de Barcelona
In 2018, the first experiences with virtual reality were carried out for patients undergoing surgery, with the aim of reducing preoperative anxiety, a common symptom in elective procedures that affects between 60% and 76% of patients.
According to Dr. Antonio de Lacy, head of the Gastrointestinal Surgery Service and promoter of the project
“The application is a starting point that will allow this technology to be used in other procedures that also generate anxiety in patients.”VR allowed patients to explore, in a safe and guided manner, environments designed to calm stress prior to surgery.
Hospital de Bellvitge
With the La Casa del Riñón project, virtual reality has been implemented as an educational tool for patients with chronic kidney disease. Through immersive experiences, patients can learn about and better understand the different treatment options -from home dialysis to transplantation-, which facilitates informed decision-making and promotes patient empowerment in a context of increasing incidence of this disease.
Hospital de la Vall d’Hebron
In 2018, the Smart ICU project , was launchedaimed at developing smart Intensive Care Units, equipped with advanced monitoring and diagnostic systems. All data generated by the devices are centralized in the Smart Display platform, which facilitates clinical decision-making and optimizes the management of the critical environment.
More recently, Vall d’Hebron has promoted the VHTDades platform, based on artificial intelligence, to securely and efficiently manage the entire lifecycle of clinical data. According to Dr. Yolima Cossio, director of Information Systems and Decision Support at the hospital:
“VHTDades permite democratizar el uso de los datos en toda la institución, no solo en el Hospital, sino también en el VHIR y el VHIO. Supone un paso más hacia la consolidación de nuestro modelo data-driven, basado en la evidencia científica y el análisis de datos. Además, ofrece una base sólida para el desarrollo de herramientas de inteligencia artificial y la detección de necesidades clínicas y de investigación.”
Quirónsalud Hospital Group
Quirónsalud has incorporated virtual reality in vestibular rehabilitation programs to treat patients with vertigo and imbalance This innovative technique not only improves functional balance, but also significantly reduces the associated symptoms and strengthens the patient’s confidence in their daily activities, offering a modern and effective alternative to traditional rehabilitation methods.
