'Smart glasses' used in Hampshire hospital procedure
It's a UK-first for a urology operation
A UK-first urology procedure using so-called 'smart glasses' has taken place in Hampshire.
The Surgery Assistance smart glasses are equipped with three cameras, a torch and earpiece, and share live video, audio and still photos which can then be viewed in real-time and commented on remotely.
They've been used at Nuffield Health Wessex Hospital in Chandler's Ford.
Through the glasses a surgeon outside of the theatre has a detailed view of a surgery as it progresses and can provide real-time feedback and advice.
Professor Somani said: “Surgical teams consist of doctors with diverse levels of training and expertise, and sometimes members of those teams need to consult with a specialist on complex surgery they are performing while the patient is in the theatre to decide the best steps to take in their care.
"Historically, an on-call consultant at a hospital would have to head into the theatre and give their verdict. Now, thanks to smart glasses technology there is a much more efficient route forward which can improve the accuracy of a procedure, ultimately benefiting patient outcome.
“For me, the use of smart glasses in urology procedures has opened a new avenue for training and educating the next generation of surgeons. Medical professionals can now experience procedures first-hand through a surgeon’s perspective and I am pleased to have had the opportunity to incorporate the use of smart glassed in my procedure at Nuffield Health Wessex Hospital.”
Thelma Henderson, hospital director at Nuffield Health Wessex Hospital, adds: “Nuffield Health Wessex Hospital remains committed to adopting innovative technologies that elevate patient care standards and helps train young surgeons.
"With help of these new technologies, such as Surgery Assistance smart glasses, we will continue to provide first-class services to our patients.”