Virtual reality (VR) as we often say is not jsut about entertainment but about improving the qulaity of life in general. As such we’ll often bring you stories of its use within areas like manufacture and design, education and health on a daily basis. The latter is an example we can look at in great detail and VRFocus is fortunate to have a number of experts providing us with in-depth features on the subject of VR and healthcare.
VR related technologies have of course been used in the operating room before, but Nokia have now revealed that their OZO camera system was used as part of the world’s first mixed reality (MR) live stream of neurosurgery. That’s not to say the stream was made to the public however. Instead it is part of a trial; a joint project between the two organisations entitled “Media meets Medicine”. The operation will be undertaken and broadcast (via OZO Live) from Finland’s Helsinki University Hospital (HUH) to up to 100 other neurosurgeons allowing for indepth learning and an immersive observation of the proceedure. A number previously unreached.
“Normally, only up to 10-15 external observers can fit in an operating theatre in addition to the operating team. When using Nokia OZO Live streaming we could have limitless observers from around the world and they can all feel as if they were there.” Explained Professor Mika Niemelä, Chief of Department at HUH Neurosurgery before the event. Which took place as part of the 17th Helsinki Live Demonstration Course in Operative Microneurosurgery.
“We are pleased to work alongside a leading neurosurgical department in the world.” Said Kiti Müller, Neurologist, Medical Expert and Principal Researcher at the Digital Health Lab at Nokia Technologies. “The cooperation enables medical doctors in different expert areas to get to know the latest technology, including a totally new way of sharing medical expertise.”
Nokia’s OZO VR Camera was first announced back in July 2015 and since then Nokia have continued to improve and develop it’s use. In recent months it has been accepting nominations for its OZO Storyteller programme, and moved to introduce a range of new technologies dubbed ‘OZO Reality’. Nokia also recently announced a partnership with Lucasfilm for an experience based on forthcoming Star Wars film The Last Jedi.
“This is an excellent example of using Nokia OZO solutions to create and share an immersive experience for educational purposes.” Added Nokia’s Vice President of Digital Media, Paul Melin. “We are very proud to work with our esteemed partner HUH to expand our cooperation in the medical field.”
VRFocus will bring you more news on Nokia’s forays into VR and MR as we get it.