Research Article: Next viewer–development of a software for the spatial computing data glasses apple vision pro for patient-specific preoperative planning and navigation
Abstract:
This study aims to evaluate the clinical utility of nextViewer , a novel spatial computing application for the Apple Vision Pro, to determine its efficacy in enhancing patient-specific neurosurgical preoperative planning, spatial comprehension, and multi-user team communication.
A complete translational workflow was established, encompassing the segmentation of high-resolution CT/MRI scans into patient-specific 3D models and their integration into the spatial computing environment. The software leverages integrated eye- and hand-tracking to enable controller-free interaction, including 3D model manipulation, surgical trajectory drawing, and multiplanar finger-navigation. A systematic clinical evaluation was conducted with 15 experienced neurosurgeons. User satisfaction regarding user-friendliness, surgical planning benefits, system stability, and visualization quality was assessed utilizing a Likert-scale questionnaire ranging from ?2 (strongly disagree) to +2 (strongly agree).
The application successfully facilitated intuitive, real-time manipulation of complex anatomical models, utilizing transparencies to visualize underlying critical structures. The finger-navigation feature—providing immediate crosshair updates in corresponding coronal, sagittal, and axial planes—was identified as a unique selling point for spatial orientation. Furthermore, the collaboration mode enabled synchronized, multi-user case discussions. The systematic evaluation yielded a highly positive total score of +1.7. Surgeons specifically highlighted the controller-free interaction and the exceptional graphical resolution as significant advantages over legacy visualization systems.
Controller-free spatial computing via the Apple Vision Pro significantly enhances neurosurgical preoperative planning. By improving real-time spatial awareness and enabling seamless interactive simulations, the nextViewer app bridges the gap between theoretical augmented reality concepts and practical clinical application. The system demonstrates strong potential to become a standard tool in neurosurgery, establishing a robust foundation for future integration with telemedicine and advanced surgical navigation.
Introduction:
Neurosurgery demands the highest level of precision due to the complexity and sensitivity of neural structures, making meticulous preoperative planning essential for successful surgical outcomes. In recent years, extended reality technologies—encompassing Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and Spatial Computing (SC)—have fundamentally transformed this planning process. These modalities enable surgeons to visualize patient-specific anatomy in unprecedented detail and in an intuitive,…
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