Current Utilizations and Limitations of Augmented Reality in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery: A Scoping Review

Sunday, September 29, 2024

1:06 PM – 1:12 PM EDT

Location: MBCC, 206

Disclosure(s):

Anthony J. Tang, BS:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Kelly E. Daniels, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Stephen P. Canton, MD, MSc, MSc:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Noel Jabbour, MD, MS:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Introduction: Augmented reality (AR) is the process of visually overlaying digital information on top of the physical world while mixed reality (MR) builds upon AR with the inclusion of interactions between the digital display and the physical world. Previous reviews of AR and MR in OHNS have been limited in their scope and do not address underlying technological shortcomings. In this review, we provide an exhaustive assessment of both current uses of AR and MR as well as limitations that need to be addressed.

Methods: A scoping review of relevant literature was conducted. Electronic databases were screened using keywords including “augmented reality,” “mixed reality,” “ENT”, “OHNS”, and “otolaryngology.” Editorials, reviews, meta-analyses, unpublished, and abstract-only articles were all excluded. Studies were individually assessed for quality using technological usability heuristics.

Results: A total of 98 studies were reviewed with 41 studies meeting our inclusion and exclusion criteria. The majority of studies reported specifically on AR (73.2%). Of the included studies, most fell into one of three categories: preoperative surgical planning, intraoperative surgical guidance, or surgical education. There were 7 (17.1%) studies on preoperative surgical planning, 27 (65.9%) on intraoperative surgical guidance, and 8 (19.5%) on surgical education. The majority of studies on AR or MR in OHNS were in subspecialty otology/neurotology with 18 studies, while 10 were in rhinology, and 9 were in head and neck surgery. The majority of studies have been on intraoperative usage. However, almost all of these studies were in either cadaveric or 3D models (85.2%). Commonly cited challenges limiting the transition of intraoperative guidance from models to the OR include accuracy of registration and ease of use.

Conclusions: Current studies in this field have focused on intraoperative guidance and predominantly in subspecialties of otology/neurotology and rhinology. The limitations in current AR utilization have prevented a greater level of evidence in studies and advancements in AR implementation.

Presenting Author(s)

Anthony J. Tang, BS

Medical Student
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Co-Author(s)

Kelly E. Daniels, MD

Resident
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Pittsburgh, PA, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
SA

Samuel Adida, MS

Medical Student
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Pittsburgh, PA, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
NK

Nicolás Kass

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
SC

Stephen P. Canton, MD, MSc, MSc

Orthopaedic Surgeon
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
EA

Edward Andrews, MD

Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.

Senior Author(s)

Noel Jabbour, MD, MS

Associate Professor of Otolaryngology
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Pittsburgh, PA, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.