With the help of technology originally developed for military pilot training, surgeons are using 3D imaging technology to perform less invasive and more accurate surgery. Through two cameras inserted into small incisions the patient's body, surgeons can view three dimensional video of the operation. They can also use voice commands to call up additional information--such as ultrasounds, X-rays or CT scans--on the headsets. "3D makes a huge difference because you can be more precise and see the difference between different tissues," notes Pow-Sang, a surgeon at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute in Tampa, FL. Though the initial outlay for such technology can be significant, patients have faster recovery times and shorter hospital stays--saving hospitals money in the long run.
For more on 3D imaging:
- check out this San Diego Tribune article