Silesian cardiologists save patients using augmented reality

Doctors from the Upper Silesian Medical Center performed transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedures using the Microsoft HoloLens augmented reality system. New technologies used in medicine offer completely new possibilities.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures performed in Gor Silesian Medical Center in Katowice – The experiments were made possible thanks to the cooof Silesian cardiologistsow with colleagues from the department of biomedical engineering at Politecnico di Milano.

HoloLens glasses offer a combination of the digital and real worlds. With them, the operator can display trojdimensional graphics in their field of view. A device equipped with sensors and displays maps the environment and superimposes digital information on the resulting images.

Silesian doctors called it the latest chapter in the development of interventional cardiology, Cardiologists using HoloLens can get an avatar of the patient. Otherwise moBy converting CT scans into trojdimensional silhouette of the patient. As a result, the patient’s body shows trojdimensional image of the heart, aorta and femoral and carotid arteries.

This technology also offers them a display of trojdimensional images of the heart between each other and the X-ray screen to select how toob valve implantation and reduce the amount of contrast used to save the lives of burdened patients. Augmented reality also helps to quickly call up images, information, test results or necessary documents needed for the operation.

Doctors also point out that the technology makes it possible to transmit the image seen by the operator, such as a. for urgent consultation with an eminent specialist in the relevant field. Transmission of the field of view of the operating physician allows for an ongoing discussion about the best way to treat the patient.

This is another step in the dynamic development in Poland of the TAVI method, i.e., transcatheter treatment of diseased patientsob structural heart (ang. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation).

Valvular stenosis is a heart defect that impedes the flow of blood from the left ventricle into the aorta, whichowhich, if severe, leads to heart failure, and if untreated, can lead to death in a few years’ time. It occurs at the mainownie in individualsob older, after 75. year. The valve has inoThe heart muscle tends to calcify, loses elasticity and impedes blood flow out of the heart. Patients may experience poor physical performance, shortness of breath or dizziness on exertion.

The primary method of treatment is surgery, but not in all patientsow can be carried out because of diseasedob accompanying, increasing the risk of classical treatment. TAVI method involves minimally invasive insertion of a stent with sewn-in pericardial flaps, whichory replaces the diseased valve and saves the patient’s lifeow.