Apple’s Vision Pro headset has been used in surgery for the first time during a UK operation.
Two surgeons used the device at the private hospital Cromwell as a “surgical logistics and organisational tool”, according to spatial computing healthcare firm eXeX.
The Vision Pro is available in the US, but Apple has yet to reveal when it will be launched in other regions.
Mr Syed Aftab, Consultant Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon, said: “Working with eXeX to use the Apple Vision Pro has made a huge difference to the way we deliver care to our patients.
“The software is seamless and has improved efficiency within the Complex Spine team.
“It’s a real privilege to be the first team in the UK and Europe to use this software within surgery and I’m looking forward to seeing how this technology advances and the impact it can have across hospitals in the UK.”
eXeX was founded in 2022 to bring leading-edge spatial computing technology to the healthcare arena.
The firm’s software lets surgical teams digitally prepare operating rooms, build digital blueprints for procedures and monitor interactive displays hands-free, mid-procedure.
ExEx, which partnered with Cromwell Hospital last year, says its platform has significantly increased the efficiency of surgical delivery and improved patient outcomes.
Kate Bovell, Chief Operating Officer at Cromwell Hospital, said: “At Cromwell Hospital, we are committed to innovation and improving how healthcare is delivered to benefit all patients, whether it is through harnessing robotic or AI technology or using the latest, evidence-based approaches to deliver care.
XR in Surgery
XR Today previously reported on the use of extended reality in operating rooms.
Last month, a South Korea-based start-up called MediThinQ introduced extended reality wearable displays tailored for surgeons.
The company disclosed securing significant deals with Medtronic, a medical devices giant with $30 billion in revenue, which will exclusively distribute the products in the US and Japan.
Additionally, healthcare tech incubator VentureBlick has provided backing.
The augmented reality glasses by MediThinQ aim to display critical information to surgeons, eliminating the need to divert their attention from patients.
The company also revealed receiving a multimillion-dollar investment from Singapore-based medical devices manufacturer JLK Technology.
Two flagship products, Scopeye and MetaSCOPE, have regulatory approval in various markets such as the US, Europe, Japan, and South Korea. MediThinQ hinted at future product launches targeting the Chinese market and exploring applications for its technology beyond the medical sector.
