Surgeons are increasingly turning to virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve precision and outcomes in the operating room. The shift is driven by the need for better surgical planning, particularly in complex cases where millimeter accuracy can mean the difference between success and failure. A Norwegian startup, HoloCare, is leading the charge with a platform that transforms standard MRI and CT scans into interactive 3D holograms.
From 2D Scans to Interactive 3D Models
Traditionally, surgeons rely on flat, two-dimensional medical images to mentally reconstruct a patient’s anatomy. This process is prone to subjective interpretation and requires years of experience to master. HoloCare’s system uses AI to automate the conversion of 2D scans into detailed 3D models, which surgeons can then explore through VR headsets.
The technology allows surgeons to virtually “step inside” a patient’s organ, rotating, dissecting, and studying it from every angle. This collaborative environment ensures all team members have a shared understanding of the surgical landscape. According to HoloCare CEO Alison Sundset, “Younger surgeons find it very difficult to translate 2D images into mental 3D models… With this tool, they are completely aligned.”
Real-World Impact: Rescuing “Inoperable” Cases
The impact is already being felt in hospitals across Europe. HoloCare’s platform has been authorized for use in liver cases, with expansion to other organs underway. One surgeon, after reviewing a case in 3D, realized a previously deemed “inoperable” patient was actually viable for surgery. The patient was brought back in and successfully treated, demonstrating the technology’s potential to correct misdiagnoses and save lives.
The system operates on a browser-based AI that converts images in about ten minutes, allowing surgeons to load scans directly and reduce reliance on radiologists. HoloCare emphasizes the software is not a diagnostic tool; clinicians must verify AI-generated labels for accuracy.
The Future: Holographic Guidance in Real-Time
HoloCare’s ultimate vision extends beyond pre-operative planning. The company is developing real-time holographic guidance integrated with surgical robots. “Our goal is that a surgeon would have on a lens and be looking at the patient so the hologram would be overlaid and fixed onto the body… and you would operate in 3D through the hologram,” Sundset explained. This technology promises to bring unprecedented precision and clarity to the operating room, potentially redefining the future of surgery.
This shift towards holographic surgery isn’t just about better tools; it’s about aligning surgical teams, improving outcomes, and ultimately saving more lives. The integration of AI and VR is rapidly transforming the field, offering a glimpse into a future where surgeons operate with augmented vision and unparalleled anatomical understanding.
