Maziyar Kalani, MD, has become the first surgeon in Arizona to use augmented reality "smart goggles" for spinal surgery, according to a June 27 report from KTAR News.
The procedure occurred in May at Mayo Clinic's Phoenix location. AR goggles allow surgeons to produce a multicolored 3D model of a patient's anatomy to remove the guesswork from spinal surgery.
The models help surgeons plan for surgeries, and help them in the operating room, to increase the number of safer and less invasive surgeries.
With 3D images, physicians can rotate, zoom and even add and remove sections like bones, muscles and organs to get a better view.