Diagnostic imaging and multimedia company Visage Imaging announced the launch of Visage Ease VP, an immersive imaging platform that can be used on Apple's augmented reality headset, Apple Vision Pro.

Visage offers cloud-based, AI-enabled enterprise imaging software, including Visage 7, Visage Ease and Visage Ease Pro, that allows users to examine diagnostic images and collaborate with colleagues. The company says it helps improve radiologists' readings and workflow.

Last year, Apple announced the release of its long-anticipated augmented reality headset, Apple Vision Pro, equipped with eye-tracking technology. The headset officially went on sale at Apple stores and online today.  

Visage Ease VP will allow users to utilize Apple's Vision Pro to examine diagnostic images in a virtual, spatial setting. The platform utilizes the Visage Ease technology but incorporates a "cinematic rendering engine" for the immersive environment. 

The company says the technology utilizes the "natural and intuitive input of eyes, hands and voice navigation to provide an end-user" with an enhanced imaging experience. 

UC San Diego Health will be the first health system to pilot the technology.

"The visualization of three-dimensional medical imaging in immersive space creates exciting opportunities to improve patient care," Dr. Paul Murphy, associate clinical professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine and radiologist at UC San Diego Health, said in a statement. 

"Technology that allows for sophisticated eye motion and gesture controls for reviewing 2D and 3D medical imaging could potentially help in efficient tumor board reviews and create collaborative spaces in healthcare."

THE LARGER TREND

Immersive technology is increasingly being used in healthcare in various ways. 

XRHealth's platform allows patients with stress and anxiety, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and neurological conditions to connect with a provider via telehealth and receive recommended therapies on a virtual reality headset that's sent to the patient's home. Data is collected and transferred to the provider, and patients can track their process via XRHealth's mobile app.

Osso VR is a virtual reality surgical training and assessment platform that allows users to practice surgical techniques independently or with a team in an immersive environment.

AppliedVR creates virtual reality technology for healthcare applications, with platforms in its pipeline for chronic pain management, acute postoperative pain and anxiety.  

Its EaseVRx tool, which received Breakthrough Device designation from the Food and Drug Administration in October 2020, combines a VR headset with visual and audio programs that deliver cognitive behavioral therapy to treat fibromyalgia and chronic lower back pain.

Clinical Decision Support Standards for Incorporating Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare" is scheduled for Wednesday, March 13, from 1-2 p.m. ET in Room W311E at HIMSS24 in Orlando. Learn more and register.