Head Mounted Displays in Surgical Training and Planning: A Literature Review

Training and planning are two important preclinical activities when preparing for surgery. Although Head Mounted Displays (HMDs) are progressively being studied for training and planning in Mixed Reality (MR), clinicians need scientific evidence before making decisions when institutionalizing the technology. We investigate the up-to-date demonstrated benefits of MR-HMDs for preclinical activities through a systematic literature review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The results indicate little evidence-based findings. Only twelve studies were eligible, nine Randomized Controlled Studies (RCT), and three non-RCT comparative studies. Regarding training, even if there is evidence demonstrating learning benefits, these do not seem to transpose to real environments. Regarding planning, we see little-to-no evidence supporting MR-HMDs compared with traditional methods. We discuss possible directions so that future studies can increase the level of evidence, as well as how the technology can evolve to better support the particular needs of surgery.