Augmented Reality in Interventional Radiology: Transforming Training Paradigms.

The ascent of medical technology places augmented reality (AR) at the forefront of potential advancements in interventional radiology (IR) training. This review delves into the symbiotic relationship between AR and conventional IR training, casting light on the opportunities and hurdles intrinsic to this integration. A targeted literature review was conducted using the databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase. Search terms included ((("Augmented Reality" OR "Virtual Reality")) AND ((Education OR Training))) AND (("Interventional Radiology")). Ten studies identified using the comprehensive inclusion criteria helped scrutinize the use of AR in IR training. Key outcomes include improved procedural accuracy, reduced training duration, and heightened trainee confidence. However, it also identifies limitations such as small sample sizes, reliance on simulation environments, and technological constraints in AR implementation. Despite these challenges, the review underscored the transformative potential of AR in IR education, suggesting its capacity to revolutionize training methodologies. However, it also calls for continued technological development and empirical research to address current challenges and fully leverage AR's capabilities in medical education.

Patient perspective on the use of carbon fibre plates for extremity fracture fixation.

INTRODUCTION: Carbon fibre-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK) plates represent an exciting development within trauma and orthopaedic surgery, offering advantages including radiolucency, material properties similar to bone, and lack of localised tissue reaction. As more call for trials examining their use, there is no data available as to the acceptability of these implants to patients. This study aimed to therefore examine the acceptability of CFR-PEEK plates to patients undergoing fracture surgery. METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional survey of patients undergoing surgery for a fracture of the ankle, distal femur, distal radius, or proximal humerus. Once a decision had been made to pursue operative fixation with a plate, patients were provided with descriptions of both CFR-PEEK and stainless steel and titanium metal implants alongside the current clinical evidence. All patients undertook a questionnaire examining their views as to the advantages and disadvantages of CFR-PEEK plates, and whether they would be happy to participate in a trial comparing both. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients were happy to participate (64 females, mean age 50). Eighty-seven patients reported that they would want a CFR-PEEK implant for their fracture, and 76 reported that they would be willing to participate in an RCT comparing their use. Commonly reported advantages included radiolucency, low weight and biocompatibility. Disadvantages reported included cost and concerns regarding durability. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that CFR-PEEK implants would be acceptable to patients undergoing fracture surgery, with high numbers of patients stating that they would be willing to participate in a randomised study examining their use.

Correction to: Evaluation of Liver Function Tests and Risk Score Assessment to Screen Patients for Significant Liver Disease Prior to Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery.

The name of author Anthony Antypas was misspelled in the original article. It is correct here.