Author: Isabaeva Madina
Virtual reality (VR) is the creation of a virtual environment presented to our senses in such a way that we perceive it as if we were really there. Many technologies are used to achieve this goal, and the discovery of this phenomenon is a technically complex feat, which at the same time takes into account our perception and knowledge. This high-tech device has both fascinating and serious use. Medical imaging has dramatically evolved over the past few decades, thanks to advances in ultrasound, MRI and more. And now virtual reality is slowly becoming the gold standard for the medical industry, especially in surgery. With this technology, surgeons can pre-operate access three-dimensional images of the heart, eyes, knee joints, and other organs. In some cases, surgeons even use special gloves that support VR technology to mimic the buzzing of saws and drills. Let's now analyze the positive aspects of using virtual reality technology in modern medicine, and give some examples.
The first thing that comes to mind about the mention of virtual reality in medicine is the - opioid crisis. Today, doctors expect that in the next few years, VR technology will be widely used in medical practice. The California Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital already has more than ten VR devices that are used not only during childbirth, but also during extensive gynecological operations. According to the obstetrician-gynecologist of the hospital, Jonathan Kurs, this use of VR glasses really has prospects. The specialist believes that one of the reasons for the further growth of the popularity of VR is the opioid crisis. More and more doctors will try to look for non-drug methods of pain management. VR glasses have already been successfully used in the treatment of burns and pain shock.
The second reason, I note as not only useful, but also the most important in the life of the future mother! Many representatives of the generation interested in virtual reality are ready to have children. In this regard, experts argue that the use of virtual reality will help reduce the pain that women experience during childbirth. According to American scientists, creators of VR glasses from the University of Michigan, the use of virtual reality will allow women at the same time to refuse to take painkillers. The experiment, which was attended by 27 women in labor, showed that in 57 percent of cases, the presence of VR glasses reduced the level of pain during labor. The reason and principle of work here is quite simple: during the use of such funds, the woman’s brain is distracted by colorful images, and pain and anxiety are not so acute.
Well, in the third case, a similar technology developed by scientists from Birmingham made it possible to conduct a two-way interactive conference in real time during a complex operation. The peculiarity of the application of this technology was that the first orthopedic surgeon directly performed the operation, and the second doctor interacted with him while sitting in his office. Thanks to this technology, you can virtually help your colleague by showing yourself what you need to do, and immediately during the operation you can display and discuss your next steps.
Of course, we can give many more examples and unique achievements with the introduction of this VR technique in medicine, but do not forget about the downsides of using virtual reality. How to help ensure safer surgery and enable innovation to reach its full potential in the healthcare system I will cover in the next section.
