How new technology is enhancing patient care

Augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) in knowledge transfer and training

“The advent of AR/VR has revolutionised treatment of shoulder ailments,” said Dr Ayyappan V. Nair, consultant-shoulder surgery, sports medicine and arthroscopy, Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Sarjapur and Jayanagar. “It is now possible for surgeons to interact with colleagues from different parts of the world and decide on the best treatment modality even from the operating room, thus facilitating an excellent knowledge exchange platform. The AR and VR technology has also stepped in as a strong medium in training young surgeons in surgical anatomy, virtual training in operative techniques and early detection of disease conditions of the shoulder. AI also helps assess the surgical and patient outcomes by monitoring their recovery. We expect to launch VR-based navigation systems for shoulder surgery soon.”

Robotic assistance in high-precision bone sculpting and implant placement

In recent days, Manipal Hospitals has also embraced and harnessed the power of robotics for high-precision surgical procedures. In arthroplasties such as partial knee replacement, robotics has enabled surgeons to sculpt the implants with high accuracy. “With the robotic assistance, surgeons are now able to replicate accurate sizing and positioning of implants through the patient’s CT scan even before the patient enters the operating room,” said Dr Sunil G. Kini, senior consultant-orthopaedic and robotic joint replacement surgery, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bengaluru. “The haptic technology ensures that the operating tool does not endanger the critical nerves and vessels in the vicinity.”

Spinal surgery through robotic precision

“Robotic-assisted spine surgeries are minimally invasive and guarantee high accuracy and precision (patient- and problem-specific plan and execution), reduced radiation risk to the surgeon and staff, lesser tissue trauma and blood loss, reduced risk and lesser complications (48 per cent),” said Dr S. Vidyadhara, chairman and head of spine surgery and consultant for robotic spine surgery, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bengaluru. “Moreover, they facilitate easier and earlier mobilisation and require shorter hospitalisation. They have become a glimmer of hope for many patients suffering from spinal issues such as spinal deformity correction, including scoliosis and kyphosis, degenerative spinal surgeries, spinal fusion surgeries, spinal trauma surgeries, spinal tumour surgeries and congenital anomalies of spine.”

SOS QR code

Manipal Hospitals introduced the SOS QR code, an initiative that enables the dispatching of medical care at the earliest in emergencies. This innovative technology allows the caregiver to seek swift ambulance services for rescuing the victim within the critical ‘golden hour’ by simply scanning the QR code, enabled with precise location detection.