The New Frontier: A Review of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality in Plastic Surgery Print

Lohrasb R. Sayadi, MD; Alexandra Naides, BA; Maddie Eng;  Arman Fijany, BS; Mustafa Chopan, MD; Jamasb J. Sayadi, BA; Ashkaun Shaterian, MD; Derek A. Banyard, MD, MBA, MS; Gregory R.D. Evans, MD, FACS; Raj Vyas, MD; and Alan D. Widgerow, MBBCh, MMed, FACS

Aesthetic Surgery Journal  2019, Vol 39(9) 1007–1016

Abstract: Mixed reality, a blending of the physical and digital worlds, can enhance the surgical experience, leading to greater precision, efficiency, and improved outcomes. Various studies across different disciplines have reported encouraging results using mixed reality technologies, such as augmented and virtual reality. To provide a better understanding of the applications and limitations of this technology in plastic surgery, we performed a systematic review of the literature in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The initial query of the National Center for  Biotechnology  Information  database  yielded  2544  results,  and  only  46  articles  met  our  inclusion  criteria.  The  majority  of  studies  were  in  the  field  of  craniofacial  surgery,  and  uses  of  mixed  reality  included  preoperative  planning,  intraoperative  guides,  and  education  of  surgical  trainees.  A  deeper  understanding of mixed reality technologies may promote its integration and also help inspire new and creative applications in healthcare.

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