Virtual reality is the creation of an environment produced by a computer system that gives us the feeling that we are in reality and allows us to go anywhere we feel in this environment in a very similar way to reality. It allows us to live completely realistic experiences through games, travel the world or even feel that we can fly without leaving the couch at home.
How is virtual reality applied to medicine?
In addition to its applications in the field of entertainment, virtual reality is very useful in the field of medicine. The applications of virtual reality in medicine are many and varied, but it focuses mainly on these uses:
surgeries
The main application in the case of surgeries is remote interventions Where the doctor does not work directly, but does so through a robot that performs the different steps of the process. The surgeon in question may be away from the robot or even in another hospital. Due to the great precision provided by these robots, they are very useful in microsurgical operations, and there is even talk of the possibility of performing Operations in the absence of specialists.
Using virtual reality simulators, doctors also significantly improve their skills and performance in operating rooms, which is great news, as they can access them through 3D rendering of a patient’s anatomy. Planning and rehearsal Previous surgery to overcome possible complications during the “real” intervention.
Treatment of phobias and traumas
The use of virtual reality to treat phobias or traumas is also a common use in the field of psychology. Phobias are psychological disorders or irrational fears that some people feel when they encounter certain situations or elements. Through virtual reality the patient can are detected sequentially In situations that generate panic (claustrophobia, fear of flying, arachnophobia) and Lower anxiety thresholds May these fears succeed in producing it.
On the other hand, psychologists also use virtual reality as a therapy so that their patients can overcome some trauma that arose in childhood or situations that have occurred that have traumatized the person.
Treatment for Alzheimer’s disease or autism
At the moment, Alzheimer’s disease is a disease that has no cure, but there are virtual reality technologies that can help patients recover. Cognitive abilities When playing past photos. Lack of focus or a feeling of apathy is a consequence of Alzheimer’s disease in people who suffer from it and, through this regimen, the patient’s concentration and attitude can be improved.
Developed by researchers from the University of Valencia Savia Project To help children with autism. Children must accomplish a goal in a virtual environment and then try to surpass it in a real environment.
Through virtual reality, people with autism can learn to handle everyday situations, such as conversing or crossing a street from side to side. These situations present a challenge for people with autism.
academic training
There are simulators that allow medical students and graduates to develop technical skills and abilities as if they were in a real-world situation. Through this simulation, future medical professionals can perform catheterization, surgery, endoscopy or administration. Anatomy lessons Without the need for the presence of corpses or animals to carry out their practices.
Medical students will be able to practice continuously at no additional cost and will not have to do exercises to start learning about the human body in the most realistic way.