Today we have something spectacular that has the potential to save lives around the world. If you’re interested in Virtual Reality changing the world

If you’re interested in Virtual Reality impacting the world check out our article “5 Ways Virtual Reality is Helping the World Now“

GE Healthcare has created a potentially revolutionary anatomical display prototype Virtual Reality tool. Doctors can step inside a colon and navigate, travel forward from side to side, and even search for polyps and other tumors.

References and Sources can be found at the end of the article.

The tool in development is one of the upcoming innovations and research projects from the GE Healthcare Global Center of Excellence in Medical Imaging Software, in Buc, France, where 200 specialists who have been exploring the field since the 1990s came together to innovate.

“The research center is launching new applications every year,”

– Jerome Knoplioch, Principal Software Architect

Their specialty is software that can help radiologists, doctors, and surgeons better read the human body, perform diagnoses and make their decisions. Their main project today focuses on 3D modeling, virtual reality and the use of big data.

The Human Body has Three Dimensions (3D)

The center of excellence in Buc is a pioneer in anatomical 3D modeling using images taken with General Electric scanners. 3D modeling is used to gain a targeted view of an organ. The doctor can, for example, concentrate on observing coronary artery stenosis accurately to see within the space of the cavity. It can be observed from all angles: cross-sectional view, inside view in 3D and flat mode.

Multiplying the points of view allows doctors to confirm their diagnoses and prevent optical illusions. The view can also be made real using a 3D printer, allowing the surgeon to handle the organ that they are going to treat. The next step involves projection inside the organ using a virtual reality headset.

Cloud and machine learning

Researchers at the center of excellence are also looking at big data techniques based on connection to cloud equipment and “machine learning”. Machine learning is close to a form of artificial intelligence, as the machine “learns” through its own “experience”.

“This is an ongoing development process. Today, we are collecting data from the way that we are using our equipment so that we can improve it. Tomorrow, we can teach the machine to recognize cancer by itself”

– Jérôme Gonichon, Software Director at GE Healthcare.

Of course, this type of innovation requires an accurate and rigorous validation process. The “intelligent” machine will not substitute the physician in the decision-making process but rather assist them in establishing a quicker and more accurate diagnosis and in turn, in treating more patients in a shorter period of time.

Once connected to the cloud, the procedure takes on a whole other dimension. Some fifty people have been assigned specifically to research in this key area. Rather than store data locally, the GE Healthcare imaging equipment is connected to the network (there are already 30,000 machines on it) and shares information. The scanners can also connect to other data concerning the patients themselves.

VR Apps lets Doctors discover tumors and lesions in patients.

Automating numerous tasks means physicians will be able to concentrate on decision-making and treatment. The challenge is to achieve greater knowledge of the human body and how it works.

Conclusion

An absolutely spectacular use of virtual reality technology to make the world a better place and potentially saving lives.

We’ve seen a tremendous amount of disruptive change coming from the Virtual Reality Industry. It is surely certain that this kind of content will accelerate based on trends in the future.

You most likely have some other VR ideas that can change the world! Share them with us on social media!

References & Sources:

1. GE Healthcare — The Pulse on Health, Science, and Tech

2. Futurism — Virtuality