Virtual reality: healthy aging with virtual aids
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Image: Person wearing VR glasses and practicing a surgical procedure with a robotic arm in a simulation; Copyright: TH Köln / Turhan Civelek

TH Köln / Turhan Civelek

Realistic surgical simulations with AI, VR and haptics

10.12.2024

A VR training environment with haptic feedback is intended to realistically depict surgical situations and allow risk-free training of surgical procedures. Prof. Björn Krüger describes the goals of the VIRTOSHA research project.
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Image: Explanatory picture of the XR simulator; Copyright: Noriyo Colley, et al. Journal of Nursing Care & Reports. September 30, 2024

Noriyo Colley, et al. Journal of Nursing Care & Reports. September 30, 2024

Addressing a growing demand for pediatric care: XR simulator

28.11.2024

Hokkaido University researchers in Japan have developed the Simmar+ESTE-SIM, an advanced XR simulator that provides nursing students with realistic, hands-on training in pediatric procedures such as mechanical ventilation and tracheal suctioning.
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Image: Close-up of a neurotechnology experiment: The setup enables the combination of virtual reality technology and non-invasive brain stimulation; Copyright: EPFL

EPFL

EPFL researchers develop non-invasive neurotechnology to improve spatial memory

07.11.2024

EPFL researchers have developed a neurotechnology that uses virtual reality, non-invasive brain stimulation, and fMRI imaging to improve spatial memory without surgery or medication. This method targets the hippocampus to enhance navigation and recall, offering potential for future dementia therapies.
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Image: Two men standing next to each other, each holding a pair of VR glasses; Copyright: Rolf Müller/Universitätsklinikums Bonn (UKB)

Rolf Müller/Universitätsklinikums Bonn (UKB)

VIRTOSHA: Training in surgery using VR technology

13.09.2024

A research team from Bonn University Hospital, Cologne University of Applied Sciences and other partners is working on the VIRTOSHA project, which is developing a virtual reality training environment for surgical procedures.
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Virtual nursing training in the OR

23.01.2024

In the operating room, every move has to be precise. This applies not only to the surgical staff but also to the surgical assistants. Whether it's sterile products or consumables, the proper handling of them is essential for a smooth workflow.
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A man in a suit walks through the MEDICA exhibition hall with a microphone; copyright: beta-web | Messe Düsseldorf

eHealth, mHealth, AI, and much more – Highlight tour in the MEDICA START-UP PARK

13.11.2023

Every year, the MEDICA START-UP PARK attracts a lot of visitors. Young, up-and-coming companies present their products here – often for the first time ever. This stand has already been the starting point for the success stories of some companies that are now internationally active. At MEDICA 2023, we are once again taking the opportunity to talk to promising start-ups.
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Image: Dr. Mario Lorenz demonstrates the Virtuoso, which surgeons can use to practice the removal of the femoral head; Copyright: https://divr.de/

https://divr.de/

Training surgery with the DynamicHIPS system

06.11.2023

When surgically inserting an artificial hip, the preparation of medical staff jumps from theory to practice directly on the patient. The training system OrthoMiniGames now offers a simulation as an intermediate step. The use of virtual reality optics combined with tactile devices provides the opportunity to conduct the procedure within a haptic experience before approaching the patient.
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Image: Jahanian Najafabadi at Constructor University, poses for the camera in a dark blue suit; Copyright: Constructor University

Constructor University

Virtual reality: healthy aging with virtual aids

19.07.2023

Can elderly people really learn how to use new technologies and adapt themselves in learning new tools? The answer, according to researcher Dr. Amir Jahanian Najafabadi and colleagues at Constructor University in Bremen, is yes.
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Image: Lecturer talks about new technologies and three people listen; Copyright: seventyfourimages

seventyfourimages

Increasing training and use of new digital technologies in EU health services

18.05.2023

The Dynamic Digital Resilience for Medical and Allied Professions (DDS-MAP) in Health Services project aims to strengthen health systems and support the digital transformation of healthcare by understanding the digital learning needs of healthcare professionals and developing innovative learning programmes.
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Image: A child in a black jacket is supported by an adult during a rehab exercise and is happy; Copyright: Rett Syndrom Deutschland e.V.

Rett Syndrom Deutschland e.V.

XR and AI: TeMoRett develops computer-assisted therapy

15.05.2023

The Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut (HHI) is coordinating the newly launched project "Technology-supported Motor Rehabilitation for People with Rett Syndrome" (TeMoRett).
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Image: A man demonstrates the VR-based rehabilitation system in front of a screen using head, hand and hip sensors; Copyright: Kaunas University of Technology

Kaunas University of Technology

Virtual post-stroke assistant for rehabilitation

17.04.2023

The innovation created by a team of Lithuanian scientists is a VR-based rehabilitation system, a VR technology without the VR world and glasses.
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Image: Shot of a doctor having a video call with a patient on the computer in her office; Copyright: micens

micens

Treating patients 'in hospital' – even from far away

17.04.2023

Research is revealing that some patients living far away from specialist health service provision choose not to use these services because of the long distances they have to travel.
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Image: Model of AR glasses that can be worn for fall prevention; Copyright:

Lorenz Assländer

Fall prevention with AR glasses

21.02.2023

Older people have a much higher risk of falls and serious injury arising from a fall. Researchers involved in the “Augmented Balance" project aim to develop augmented reality (AR) glasses to help improve balance and prevent falls.
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Virtual treatment relieves therapists – Gamification for a successful therapy

08.08.2022

Immerse yourself into strange worlds, solve tasks, experience adventures – computer games look especially realistic in Virtual Reality. Medicine is also making good use of virtual worlds: With CUREO, the CUREosity GmbH from Düsseldorf has developed a VR system for physiotherapy and Ergotherapy.
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Image: A physiotherapist with a patient in a practice room. The patient is sitting at an exercise machine with a monitor in front of him; Copyright: prostooleh

prostooleh

Fighting monotony with apps: Exergames in physiotherapy

01.06.2022

Gamification has long since made its way into modern physical therapy. Games make it easy for people of all ages to enjoy their exercises. And that in turn contributes to the success of therapy – whether after a sports injury or in exercise therapy for children. Find out more in our Topic of the Month.
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Image: A woman is standing in her living room and performs a fitness exercise while wearing VR goggles; Copyright: Prostock-studio

Prostock-studio

Exergames: leveraging the fun of games to support therapy

01.06.2022

Some patients need physiotherapy after suffering an injury, but the process can be tough and tedious. Depending on the indication, this may necessitate multiple treatment sessions that can span several weeks. Added to this are therapy exercises patients should do at home. The amount of training and repetitions can make it difficult to stay engaged. Gamification in therapy can boost motivation.
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Image: Man with a VR headset on his head is exercising with a rubber tape; Copyright: videoreality GmbH

videoreality GmbH

Chronic pain: Virtual Reality helps alter pain perception

22.03.2022

The cause of chronic back pain can be hard to find. Pain sufferers are typically advised to embark on regular exercise, combined with physical therapy and pain management training to overcome potential psychological and emotional factors. Virtual reality applications could become an innovative treatment tool in this setting – targeting pain perception right in the brain.
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Simulators for learning success – VR in surgical training

06.07.2021

The most important resource in surgical education is the hands-on experience young surgeons are able to get in the OR. But the possibilities to perform surgery on real patients are very limited, and these situations cause insecurity and stress in beginners.
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Image: A hand is touching a three-dimensional rendering of a human skull with blood vessel; Copyright: Brainlab

Surgical planning with immersive mixed reality

01.04.2021

The job of surgeons starts long before they step into the operating room. They must use two-dimensional MRI or CT scans to plan the surgical steps on a three-dimensional patient, relying on their experience, skill, and spatial sense. Using mixed reality (MR) to view human anatomical models allows for better visualization and navigation.
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Image: Two surgeons with Virtual Reality headsets look at a floating model of a human heart; Copyright: PantherMedia/Gorodenkoff

Surgery in 3D: Virtual Reality in the OR

01.04.2021

Surgeons do not only have to gather theoretical knowledge and practice to perform successful interventions. They also need a good visual thinking and have to know the anatomical characteristics of each individual patient. Some of these tasks will become easier when Virtual and Mixed Reality bring three-dimensional, digital models into their profession.
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Image: A man wearing a VR headset is holding a surgical instrument that is attached to a robotic arm; Copyright: Dynamic HIPS

Hip replacement: virtual surgical training with haptic technology

01.04.2021

Surgeons have only limited options to practice surgical techniques before they enter the operating room. The implantation of an endoprosthesis requires extensive practical training since it necessitates strength and utmost precision. The "Dynamic HIPS" project develops a virtual reality hip implant simulator that provides realistic haptic feedback.
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Image: A physician in scrubs is putting on a Virtual Reality headset; Copyright: PantherMedia/Gorodenkoff

Broader perspective: how Mixed and Virtual Reality transform surgery

01.04.2021

For surgeons, nothing is more important than intimate knowledge and a spatial understanding of their operating field. Yet even three-dimensional imaging methods only provide limited assistance because the data is viewed on two-dimensional screens. When it comes to surgical planning or medical education, Mixed and Virtual Reality foster a better spatial understanding of the human body.
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Image: View into a device that automatically processes laboratory samples; Copyright: PantherMedia/Sonar

The laboratory 4.0: networked analyses

01.09.2020

There is likely no other branch of medicine where you can find as many high-tech devices as in modern laboratories. A major part of diagnostic and biomedical research is done here. A lot of individual steps in work processes need to be followed precisely to ensure the results’ quality. Also, a lot of data is generated here.
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Image: A young laboratory technician with AR glasses uses a pipette, he is surrounded by different bubbles with text; Copyright: Helbling Technik Wil AG

Augmented Reality for better laboratory results

01.09.2020

Accuracy is paramount in laboratory settings and ensures that lab results are valid. Errors in a lab can render series of tests unusable and waste precious time and money. In the medical realm, this might even result in clinical trial errors. Augmented reality (AR) can help laboratory technicians to prevent errors and guide their work in the future.
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Image: Application of AR sonography; Copyright: Fraunhofer IGD

Fraunhofer IGD

Augmented reality ultrasound: putting the focus on patients

10.08.2020

This is how a conventional ultrasound scan works: patients lie down on a table next to the ultrasound machine. A doctor uses a probe to scan the part of the body in question, while he or she looks at the pictures on a monitor. In other words, the physician either focuses on his/her hand on the patient or the monitor. The Fraunhofer IGD wants to change this process as part of the "sonAR" project.
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Image: Intensive care unit with VitalSky installation over two beds; Copyright: Markus van Offern

VitalSky: how an artificial sky improves ICU patient recovery

03.08.2020

Delirium occurs in 30 to 80 percent of patients in intensive care units. This cerebral impairment not only causes mental confusion and emotional disruption but also drastically increases the mortality risk of patients. A controlled circadian rhythm and sleep/wake cycle is the prerequisite for delirium prevention. This is where the new VitalMinds concept from Philips comes in.
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Image: Person with VR glasses in a room; Copyright: EXXETA AG

EXXETA AG

Gamification: facilitating a gradual return-to-play

08.06.2020

Professional athletes depend on a speedy recovery from sports injuries or surgery because their livelihood depends on their physical fitness. Returning to competition too soon after injury can have negative health consequences. Standard tests are now combined with virtual reality to determine the optimal time to return to play.
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Image: robotic system for assistance in surgery; Copyright: panthermedia.net/phonlamai

Robotics in the OR: Relieving the surgeon

04.05.2020

In the operating room, minimally invasive procedures are increasingly used. Robot-assisted systems are a great help for the surgeon. They support the surgeon and are extremely precise. Through innovative research approaches, robotic systems are constantly evolving.
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Image: View of a robot-mounted system from above; Copyright: panthermedia.net/wedmov

Robots in the Operating Room: Improving Training and Safety

04.05.2020

Surgical robots are transforming the operating room. They deliver many benefits but also present new challenges. That is why the efficient handling of robotic mechanisms must also be reflected in the respective training courses.
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Image: Robotic arm used for surgical operations; Copyright: panthermedia.net/markoaliaksandr

Innovative Robotic-Assisted Surgical Systems

04.05.2020

More compact, more flexibility, and more precision - these are the main characteristics developers strive for as they advance robotic-assisted surgical systems for the operating room. Several technology providers have already shown how it’s done, including the makers of the popular daVinci Surgical System. Yet for robotic-assisted systems, the sky is the limit.
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Image: Man sitting next to an older woman wearing vr glasses on a couch; Copyright: panthermedia.net/draoscondreaw

panthermedia.net/draoscondreaw

Sensor-Based Smart Glove Enables Parkinson's Diagnosis

25.02.2020

Neurological disorders like Parkinson's are often diagnosed once the disease has already progressed to a later stage. The VAFES project was initiated to facilitate an early detection. Sensor technology and VR are used in the creation of a playful test system.
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Image: A physician wearing VR glasses. An image of the human heart floats in front of him in the air; Copyright: apoQlar

apoQlar

Virtual Surgical Intelligence: Microsoft Hololens in the OR

22.07.2019

Modern imaging opens news doors to surgeries. Yet it also poses major problems for surgeons: They use two-dimensional images to navigate through a three-dimensional surgical environment, while they continuously have to switch their focus back and forth between the images and the patient. Now help is on the way in the form of interactive 3D projections and mixed reality (MR).
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Image: triangular table at which three patients do various robotic rehabilitation exercises; Copyright: Hocoma, Switzerland

Walking is an issue of mind over matter – how robots assist rehabilitation

03.06.2019

Humans are living longer than ever but still want to continue to live independently as they age. Meanwhile, our motor and cognitive abilities decline as we age, sometimes as the effects of a stroke. The number of people in need of long-term care is growing at breakneck speed. At the same time, fewer and fewer young people choose stressful careers as caregivers.
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Image: Boy uses robot arm in front of a monitor with computer game, next to it stands the therapist; Copyright: Helios Klinik Hattingen

Rehab with a robot – robot-assisted therapy in neurology

03.06.2019

It takes consistent repetitions if rehab patients want to relearn skills after surviving a stroke. This requires extreme effort. The industrial sector uses robots to perform repetitive tasks or handle jobs that require strength. What has been a fixture in factories for decades is now also making its way into rehabilitation facilities.
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Image: Screenshot of the VR app: a small penguin sitting on the treatment table of the MRI device; Copyright: Entertainment Computing Group, Uni DUE & LAVAlabs Moving Images

Entertainment Computing Group, Uni DUE & LAVAlabs Moving Images

Gamification: how penguins help children overcome their MRI fear

23.04.2019

It's noisy, tight and scary - that's how children feel about a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine. Because they are scared, they are often too fidgety and anxious during the procedure, causing the images to blur or the scan to be stopped. Researchers have now developed a VR app called Pingunauten Trainer that’s designed to gently prepare the little patients for MRI scans.
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