Cambridge Consultants, a product design and development firm, has introduced an augmented reality (AR) surgical system capable of giving surgeons “x-ray vision” in real time. This system aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce surgical risk.

Using the Microsoft HoloLens headset, Cambridge Consultants developed the system to allow surgeons to see the inside of a patient while they are operating through minimally invasive openings.

“AR has the potential to fundamentally change the surgical experience by giving the surgeon a new dimension of information in an easy-to-use way,” said Simon Karger, head of surgical and interventional products at Cambridge Consultants. “While today’s platforms still need to mature before they are ready for clinical deployment, it is clear to us that the underlying technology holds great promise for critical applications like surgery.

Currently, surgeons have limited access to real-time imaging while they perform procedures. The AR system also allows surgeons to view patient records and operating information.

“This innovative development is the result of our extensive experience of surgical equipment innovation and our understanding of the operating theatre environment and workflow,” said Karger. “It has the potential to enable more surgeons to carry out complex operations at lower risk and with better results for patients.”