With the cost of using the internet on phones, laptops, and virtual reality (VR) headsets becoming cheaper to manufacturer, the easier it has become to make this a reality. In fact, the article even mentions that medical students who witnessed the live surgery were using VR headsets made of a pair of lenses and some cardboard (thegaurdian). However, those who did not have a headset could still watch it online. Dr. Shafi Ahmed, the head of this idea, claimed that this was more than just a mere gimmick. In the average surgery video, you only get the perspective what the head surgeon seeing. The ability to render these videos in 3D allows students to see beyond this narrow scope, absorbing other important parts of the procedure, such as what other members of the surgical team are doing.
George Hanna, Professor of Surgical Sciences at Imperial College, stated “If this technology allows the transfer of knowledge and skills [over] a wider range and in an easier way that would be very beneficial” (theguardian). However, the author of the article viewed the procedure on his phone, and claimed that the quality was good, but “not good enough to see the screen clearly”. A phone might not be the most efficient way to view this type of streaming video, but it is a valid criticism nonetheless. Another valid argument the author posed was that although you got a 360 degree view, you could still only see it from that one angle. So if something was obscuring the camera, you could not move to get a better view.
I believe that this is a fascinating new way to transmit knowledge across the internet. Virtual Reality was a mere gimmick years ago, but it is getting harder to deny its power given circumstances such as this. Not having to crowd an Amphitheater with medical students to view a surgery is extremely valuable, and it allows much more flexibility (you don’t have to actually attend in person at a certain location at a certain time). Furthermore, it seems like giving the public access to these feeds will inspire many future students who are considering becoming a surgeon. Not many (if any) jobs give you the option to sit on the coach while watching such an astonishing procedure in three dimensions, and I believe that this technology could be applied to many other types of businesses as well. Only time will tell, but it seems that we have only scratched the surface of what tools like these can let us accomplish.
The Video below showcases the new 3D teaching method in action
There are also robots in surgery; virtual surgeries are often used when a doctor is remote from surgery viewing a resident doing the surgery. They can voice in any comments. VR is where the technology is these days; great teaching tool, too.
ReplyDeleteNot sure how this is related to Tech 3 topic, but ok.