RESEARCH: Tech tools shape future of surgical planning

Concordia alumna Negar Kazemipour, along with Marta Kersten-Oertel, associate professor in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, in collaboration with McGill’s Amir Hooshiar, have published a study examining the impact of various technologies on surgical planning.

Their research aims to improve the safety and success of surgeries by evaluating the effectiveness of augmented reality (AR), haptic feedback devices, and traditional monitor setups in different surgical scenarios. The goal was to determine which tools best assist surgeons in making precise decisions and navigating complex anatomical structures.

The study included both novice and expert users and focused on three specific surgical tasks:

• Heart valve repair

• Hip tumor removal

• Screw placement in the spine

For novices, AR was generally preferred for tasks that required spatial understanding, such as screw placement. On the other hand, the haptic device was favored for tasks that demanded precision, like marking tumor boundaries. Despite its lack of depth perception, the traditional setup was still valued for its reliability and comfort, particularly in less complex scenarios.

Expert users found that the haptic device allowed for faster task completion, while AR provided superior depth perception, crucial for understanding intricate anatomical details. Although reliable, the traditional setup was sometimes noted for lacking the necessary depth perception for more complex tasks.

The study highlights the importance of choosing the right tools based on the specific needs of each surgical procedure. While AR and haptic technologies show promise in enhancing surgical planning, they are not universally applicable.

To learn more, read “A usability analysis of augmented reality and haptics for surgical planning” in the International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery.