C. Renz1, V. Bangla1, K. Glerum1, M. Marin1, C. Divino1 1Mount Sinai School Of Medicine, Department Of Surgery, New York, NY, USA
Introduction:
The Microsoft HoloLens is a mixed reality headset that allows users to immerse themselves in and engage with different applications.[1] The functionality and benefits of the HoloLens and how it can be applied to surgical education have not yet been explored. Providing trainees with a three-dimensional, interactive representation of imaging may yield a better understanding of the pathology, as well as provide a means to reinforce what is seen on traditional imaging modalities. This serves as a pilot study to assess the applicability of the HoloLens as an adjunct to resident education.
Methods:
15 participants were recruited in total. All general surgery residents, ranging from postgraduate years (PGY) two through five. Each participant was asked to review imaging modalities for two different patients, patient A and patient B, each with renal vasculature abnormalities. Participants were randomized into two groups. Group 1 reviewed a traditional Computer Tomography (CT) scan for patient A, followed by a HoloLens hologram for patient B. Group 2 reviewed a HoloLens hologram for patient A, followed by a CT scan for patient B. Each participant was then asked to describe their findings and answer a questionnaire regarding the usability of the device.
Results:
In group 1, eight participants ranged from PGY 3-5. Seven out of eight participants correctly identified the pathology on the CT scan, while six of the eight correctly identified the pathology on the HoloLens hologram. In Group 2, seven participants ranged from PGY 2-5. Seven out of seven correctly identified the pathology on the HoloLens hologram, while six out of seven correctly identified the pathology on the CT scan. When asked which imaging modality best facilitated evaluation of the vasculature, seven out of nine participants indicated the HoloLens. When asked which modality was preferred to pick up the pathology being displayed, five out of nine participants favored the HoloLens (Figure 1).
Conclusion:
After a brief, five-minute tutorial, residents quickly learned how to navigate the HoloLens. In our brief pilot study, this new imaging modality proved to be non-inferior to conventional CT scan when it came to residents detecting pathology on an imaging study. This new technology may assist residents in getting a new, fresh perspective on anatomical variations. Due to its user-friendly nature and ease of use, the HoloLens has the capacity to serve as an adjunct to surgical education in many ways.
[1] Microsoft HoloLens Docs. [(Accessed on 17 August 2023)]. Available online: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens/
