Karl Storz announced that it released the CollaboratOR 3D app for Apple Vision Pro to provide immersive surgical education.
This marks yet another medtech application on Apple’s VR headset, with Siemens Healthineers and Stryker recently unveiling similar offerings.
Karl Storz designed its application in tandem with software developer T1V to complement the functionality of OR1, an integrated operating room solution. The company said it identified a need to improve the educational experience and collaboration opportunities for surgeons. This includes new surgical residents and practicing surgeons across a wide range of specialties.
CollaboratOR 3D allows surgical staff to immerse themselves in 3D content from surgical procedures without entering the OR. It can both enhance learning opportunities and allow teams to scale their training efforts.
The application leverages Apple Vision Pro’s ability to blend digital content with the physical world. Karl Storz said this enables closer coordination, communication and education among the surgical team. It’s not intended for use during surgery, the company said, but designed to take advantage of the breakthrough display. Karl Storz’s endoscopy systems provide 3D/4K surgical video quality as well.
“We will continue to work with T1V to explore the future of medical education and collaboration in the OR,” said Connie Padden, director of OR1 technology integration at Karl Storz U.S. “The release of the CollaboratOR 3D app for Apple Vision Pro aligns with our long-term vision to apply tomorrow’s technology to today’s most pressing healthcare needs. Harnessing the power of fully immersive spatial computing further advances our mission of enabling anywhere care.”