Dr. Oscar de Coss takes part in a panel discussion on augmented reality in psychophysical training

Dr. Oscar de Coss is a researcher in oncological surgery who works with imaging and augmented reality technologies applied to the operating theatre. His work focuses on developing patient-specific 3D models and on integrating these tools into complex resections.

Surgical augmented reality overlays digital information, such as 3D CT or MRI images, on the real operative field during the operation. This lets the surgeon see in real time the limits of the tumour, the blood vessels and the lymph nodes, which improves the precision of the resection.

Augmented reality makes it possible to simulate complex surgical cases in virtual environments before the real operation. Surgeons in training can repeat difficult procedures as many times as they need with no risk to the patient, which speeds up the learning curve and improves psychophysical preparation for adverse situations.

It is used especially in complex liver resections, retroperitoneal sarcoma surgery and operations where proximity to major vessels demands maximum precision. Preoperative planning with individual 3D models makes it possible to anticipate the technical difficulties of each case.

Immersive training combines virtual and augmented reality to reproduce complex surgical situations with high fidelity. The surgeon interacts with digital 3D anatomy, practises technical gestures and becomes familiar with difficult scenarios before facing them in the real operating theatre.

It can. By showing in real time where the tumour and the vessels are, it helps avoid accidental injuries and identify resection margins better. The evidence on its effect on bleeding and on margins is still limited.

Active lines include developing patient-specific 3D models from radiological images, integrating AR into sarcoma surgery and liver resections, training residents with immersive platforms and publishing results in specialist international journals.

Virtual reality immerses the user in a completely digital environment, which is useful for training and simulation. Augmented reality overlays digital information on the real world, and is especially useful during the operation to guide the surgeon without losing sight of the operative field.

It is already used in clinical practice at some centres, although it is not yet a standard technique. Our team uses it both in real surgery and in training, combining it with other technologies such as intraoperative fluorescence. Results are published and the team takes part in international congresses to move towards its standardisation.

It is used together with robotic surgery, intraoperative fluorescence and the weekly multidisciplinary committees. Augmented reality and 3D models are used mainly to plan the operation and to find one's way during it.