Augmented reality (AR) is gaining traction in a variety of industries, with healthcare emerging as one of the most promising fields for its application. Magic Leap 2, a head-mounted AR device, is specifically designed to address some of the unique challenges faced in medical environments. This article examines how Magic Leap 2 is being used in healthcare settings, its key features, and the impact it’s having on medical professionals.
A focus on healthcare
The Magic Leap 2 MedTech Edition has been designed with healthcare professionals in mind. A notable feature is its certification under the IEC 60601 standard, which ensures that it meets strict safety and performance guidelines for medical electrical equipment. This certification is crucial because it allows the device to be used not only in clinical settings but also during live surgeries, a key differentiator from other AR headsets not designed with medical standards in mind.
This certification has opened doors for the device to be used by surgeons who require real-time guidance and data visualization during operations. Peggy Johnson, CEO of Magic Leap, notes, “With Magic Leap 2, critical data and 3D visualization are integrated into the operating suite digitally, so the surgeon’s focus can remain on the patient”. This eliminates the need for clinicians to glance away at 2D screens, streamlining the surgical process.
Applications in healthcare
Magic Leap 2 is being employed in several healthcare areas, including:
Surgical planning and assistance: Surgeons can use AR overlays to enhance precision in complex procedures. The device’s transparent lenses project vital information and anatomical models directly into the surgeon’s field of view without obstructing their real-world environment. This real-time visualization aids in performing delicate operations, particularly in fields like cardiology.
Medical training and education: The immersive nature of AR is proving valuable in medical training. Magic Leap 2 enables medical students and professionals to simulate surgeries and practice intricate procedures in a risk-free environment. This hands-on training not only improves skill acquisition but also boosts knowledge retention by offering realistic practice scenarios.
Rehabilitation and therapy: Magic Leap 2 is also being used to support patient rehabilitation. The device allows for interactive therapy sessions where patients receive real-time feedback on their exercises. This not only helps in improving patient outcomes but also keeps them engaged throughout their rehabilitation process.
Remote care and telemedicine: Another application of AR in healthcare is in remote consultations and monitoring. Magic Leap 2 facilitates telemedicine by enabling healthcare professionals to assess patients remotely, providing greater accessibility to care and reducing the need for in-person visits.
Integrating with other technologies
One of the standout features of Magic Leap 2 is its ability to integrate with other advanced technologies. It has achieved interoperability with NVIDIA Holoscan, a computing platform that supports real-time 3D medical imaging and guidance. This collaboration enhances the device’s usefulness in intraoperative environments, allowing medical professionals to view detailed imaging without delay.
Another notable partnership is with SentiAR, a company working on an app that connects clinicians to live patient data. Using Magic Leap 2, the app projects a 3D map of a patient’s heart, showing the real-time location of catheters during heart procedures. This app is currently under review by the FDA but has the potential to significantly improve outcomes in catheter navigation.
Comfort and usability in clinical settings
For devices like Magic Leap 2 to be practical in clinical settings, they need to be comfortable and easy to use. The headset has been designed with custom fit adjustments, making it suitable for extended use in surgeries and hospital environments. Additionally, it includes options like prescription inserts to accommodate multiple users, which is essential in shared clinical settings.
The Compute Pack, a powerful combination of CPU and GPU, is designed to handle enterprise-level applications, including custom AR apps created for specific medical needs. This flexibility in application development allows Magic Leap 2 to be tailored to various medical disciplines and specialties.
Source: Magic Leap
