Clinical Application of Augmented Reality (AR) in Neurosurgery

Dear Colleagues,

Extended reality (XR) technologies have gained increasing attention in medical research in recent years. For example, augmented reality (AR) has allowed us to overcome the limitations of standard two-dimensional imaging by superimposing virtual objects onto the user’s view of the real world. This has opened the way for various applications ranging from education and training to preoperative planning and intraoperative use. One of the specialties most heavily reliant on sophisticated imaging, neurosurgery, was among the early adopters of AR and has been at the forefront of research and development related to this technology. However, despite its burgeoning role in modern neurosurgery, AR is frequently met with hesitance among clinicians due to several technical challenges. Thus, much work remains to be carried out for its seamless integration into the neurosurgeon’s workflow and for its full potential to be realized.

This Special Issue will serve as a collection of original research articles, systematic and narrative reviews, and opinion pieces on clinical applications of AR in neurosurgery, as well as current challenges and prospects that should be addressed in the context of this technology. 

Specific themes may include but are not limited to:

• AR-assisted preoperative planning;
• AR-assisted multimodal neuronavigation;
• Intraoperative use of AR in cranial and spinal neurosurgery;
• AR-assisted patient education and informed consent;
• AR-assisted neuroanatomy education;
• Simulation and training using AR;
• Use of microscope-mediated heads-up displays and head-mounted displays in the neurosurgical operating theater.

We very much look forward to your contributions.

Dr. Ibrahim E. Efe
Dr. Markus Holling
Guest Editors

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