TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The cardiology team at National Taiwan University Hsinchu Branch is pioneering the use of Microsoft HoloLens 2 mixed reality (MR) headsets with AI technology to assist doctors in positioning guidewires during heart surgery.
The team has successfully performed seven total coronary artery occlusion surgeries using the innovative technology, which shortens surgery time and enhances patient safety, per Health News.
Traditional heart surgeries involve inserting a catheter through a vein or artery in the leg to reach the heart for delivering tools such as balloon stents. However, when coronary arteries are fully blocked, contrast agents cannot visualize the vessels, complicating the procedure.
Yu Chong-jen (余忠仁), superintendent of National Taiwan University Hsinchu Branch, noted that the success rate for such surgeries has increased from about 60% in earlier years to 90% due to advancements in medical technology and experience. The adoption of mixed reality technology has further improved success rates for this complex procedure.
Lo Hao-yun (羅皓允), a physician at the hospital’s Cardiovascular Center, explained that the HoloLens 2 is paired with the Anatomy Cloud platform to address challenges in navigating blocked vessels. The system converts 2D coronary artery CTA images into 3D stereoscopic color visuals through AI analysis.
Using Anatomy Cloud XR software, doctors can visualize precise blood vessel paths during surgery. This technology enhances accuracy in guiding wires into the correct vascular cavity and allows surgeons to coordinate with catheter machines more effectively, reducing the risk of complications.
