RAPID DIAGNOSIS USING AUGMENTED REALITY IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
A diagnosis in 3 minutes
Dizziness is the second most common presenting symptom in medicine after headache. As diagnosing it poses a challenge even for experienced doctors, Zeisberg has developed a pair of glasses that enable an automatic comparison of head and pupil movements. To enable healthcare professionals to use the glasses quickly, iteratec has developed a dedicated AR application.
People affected by vertigo often wait months for a diagnosis. However, the unique combination of the so-called head impulse test for patients and an AR application for medical professionals enables a diagnosis to be made in three minutes.
The head impulse test has already become an established method in the diagnosis of vertigo, but it is difficult to perform manually. For this reason, Zeisberg has developed a pair of glasses that enable an automatic comparison of head and pupil movements.
The addition of an AR application by iteratec enables medical professionals to carry out the head impulse test without any prior knowledge. They can provide immediate assistance. The technology, which is easy to use and quick to deploy, simplifies the testing process, as demonstrated following a presentation at the Charité in Berlin and at the BG Klinikum Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin.
Supporting medical staff with digital solutions, giving patients greater hope for a swift diagnosis and digitising the healthcare system are crucial steps towards a modern healthcare system.
A combination of professional expertise and technical know-how
Zeisberg develops innovative solutions for ear, nose and throat medicine and neurology, with the aim of developing precise diagnoses and rapid treatment methods for patients. With its glasses designed to digitise the head impulse test, Zeisberg has succeeded in doing just that. However, error-free operation is essential here. This is where iteratec comes in.
Together, the teams from both companies addressed the key question: How can medical staff be supported when using Zeisberg’s glasses to minimise the number of faulty tests? During a workshop, the idea emerged that iteratec should explore the use of AR for this purpose.
Reliable results through virtual support
The iteratec team developed an innovative AR solution based on the Microsoft HoloLens 2. The prototype, which demonstrates the potential of AR in the healthcare sector, was created in just four months. The AR solution guides users step by step through the head impulse test. Looking through the application shows exactly how the patient’s head should be moved and in what order these rotations must take place.
By visualising the target corridor in advance, before the test begins, the system enables the procedure to be carried out in a standardised and correct manner, in contrast to current products which only display the direction of the impulse after the fact. This ensures a standardised and correctly performed procedure and enables the cause of vertigo to be diagnosed independently of the staff member carrying it out. As the test can also be carried out by less experienced staff, this helps to counteract the shortage of skilled personnel.
The power of young talent for an innovative result
Another distinctive feature of the project: to ensure a swift outcome, four young software developers from the student lab took on the task. They developed the AR solution, managed the process and liaised with Zeisberg. A senior architect supported the team throughout the process.
Collaborating with students is a valuable opportunity to set the course for an educational start to their careers. Testing new approaches and challenging traditional team structures in project work led to an innovative outcome in collaboration with Zeisberg within just a few months.
A major step forward in digital healthcare
Digitally-assisted vertigo diagnosis demonstrates the many potential applications of AR in healthcare. The project is a milestone in helping both doctors and patients. When it comes to using technological innovations to facilitate diagnoses and alleviate suffering in the future, part of the answer lies in the potential applications of AR.
