The influence of virtual reality on the development of minimally invasive surgery in 21st century / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Virtual reality that is based on the high and new technology has witnessed great progress since the end of 20th century. It will result in promising methods to be used widely in clinic and to promote the development of minimally invasive surgery (MIS). As far as MIS is concerned, it will reshape the principles, expand the scope and improve the result of diagnose and treatment. Furthermore, it will also accelerate innovation of the instrument for MIS. The development of virtual reality, however, is still at its beginning. Not only high-level specialists but also expensive and special equipment is needed to explore virtual reality before it can be applied in MIS. As a result, virtual technology should be applied step by step, first in the most suitable indications. Meanwhile basic and applied research on virtual reality should be forcefully carried on to render it into effective and practical methods for the minimally invasive or non-invasive surgical treatment.