Virtual and augmented reality for biomedical applications

Mythreye Venkatesan; Harini Mohan; Justin R Ryan; Christian M Schürch; Garry P Nolan; David H Frakes; Ahmet F Coskun

doi:10.1016/j.xcrm.2021.100348

Virtual and augmented reality for biomedical applications

Cell Rep Med. 2021 Jul 21;2(7):100348. doi: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2021.100348. eCollection 2021 Jul 20.

Authors

Mythreye Venkatesan^{1

2

3}, Harini Mohan¹, Justin R Ryan⁴, Christian M Schürch⁵, Garry P Nolan⁵, David H Frakes^{1

3}, Ahmet F Coskun^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
² Interdisciplinary Bioengineering Graduate Program, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
³ School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
⁴ 3D Innovations Lab, Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
⁵ Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.

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.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Augmented Reality*
Biomedical Technology* / economics
Costs and Cost Analysis
Emotions
Humans
Learning
Virtual Reality*