VisAR is a surgical navigation system that uses augmented reality (AR) to transform a patient’s imaging data into a 3D hologram that can be precisely projected onto their body, providing accurate surgical guidance for both open and minimally invasive surgery
Novarad’s VisAR in stereotactic spinal surgery. (Credit: PRNewswire/Novarad Corporation)
US-based medical imaging solutions provider Novarad has received Indonesia’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its VisAR for intraoperative use in stereotactic spinal surgery.
VisAR is a surgical navigation system that uses augmented reality (AR) to transform a patient’s imaging data into a 3D hologram that can be precisely projected onto their body.
The AR technology enables surgeons to focus on the surgical objective without looking away towards a separate monitor.
It provides accurate surgical guidance for open and minimally invasive surgery (MISS).
Novarad designed its VisAR system to include pre-surgical planning, virtual annotations, segmentation, and two-way image connectivity.
It provides integrated 2D and 3D immersive navigation views and ongoing hologram-to-patient registration and has a sub-2mm accuracy rate for pedicle screw placement.
VisAR uses CT fiducial markers for automatic registration and enables the surgeon to view the entire OR footprint with voice-controlled commands, said the medical device company.
Novarad CEO and VisAR co-creator Wendell Gibby said: “We are thrilled to bring VisAR’s revolutionary technology to Indonesia. VisAR’s FDA approval in Indonesia is a testament to its innovative design and ability to improve patient outcomes.
“This technology will enable surgeons in Indonesia to perform complex procedures with greater accuracy and less risk, ultimately benefiting patients.”
Novarad has teamed up with Microsoft to use its pre-built AR headset technology, for low-cost and to leverage targeted hardware advancements.
VisAR comes with the wireless Microsoft HoloLens 2 visor and requires no other navigational equipment, and results in a small OR footprint compared to other systems.
In addition to VisAR, Novarad also offers many imaging technology solutions that deliver interoperability, HIPAA compliance, image management, and comprehensive security features.
In July last year, an article published in a peer review journal showed that its VisAR technology delivered accuracy for open and minimally invasive pedicle screw navigation.
Earlier this year, the company announced that its VisAR AR guidance system showed high accuracy for simulated external ventricular drain (EVD) placement.