The FDA has cleared an augmented reality navigation system from Mariner Endosurgery that provides surgeons a view similar to a heads-up display, warning them of potential problem areas during minimally invasive procedures.
The company’ s LaparoGuard system can allow surgeons to designate three-dimensional safety zones and areas of risk, which are then integrated and overlaid within their own surgical visualization equipment. The system can also track the locations of multiple tools during a procedure.
LaparoGuard works without the use of an AR headset, and provides real-time feedback through a customizable mix of audio and visual cues. Surgeons can also annotate areas during the operation to help guide their tools.
In addition, instrument movements are recorded for postoperative playback, providing training opportunities.
Mariner plans to further support the system with additional visualization and laparoscopic instrumentation currently under development, according to the Hamilton, Ontario-based company’s president, Mitch Wilson.