Understanding How Different Visual Aids for Augmented Reality Influence Tool-Patient Alignment in Surgical Tasks: A Preliminary Study

This study explores the impact of several visual aids on the accuracy of tool-patient alignment in augmented reality (AR) assisted surgical tasks. AR has gained prominence across surgical specialties, integrating virtual models derived from patient anatomy into the surgical field. This opens avenues for innovative visual aids and feedback which can facilitate surgical operations. To assess the influence of different visual aids on surgeon performance, we conducted a tool-patient alignment test on a 3D-printed frame, involving 12 surgical residents. Each participant inserted 12 toothpicks with a release tool into predefined target positions on the frame simulating patient targets, under AR visualization through a Magic Leap 2 Head-Mounted-Display. As visual aids, four holographic solutions were employed, with two of them offering graphical feedback upon the correct alignment to the target. Linear and angular positioning errors were measured, alongside participant responses to a satisf action questionnaire. The tests maintained a consistent tracking system for estimating target and tool poses in the real-world, ensuring evaluation stability. Preliminary results indicated statistically significant differences among the proposed visual aids, suggesting the need for further exploration in the realm of their usability in relation to the specific surgical task and the expected overall surgical accuracy.