Realize Medical
Research Library · Independent literature review

How often does VR change the surgical plan?

99 studies in the library address this question.

Short answer

Studies in the library report that viewing the 3D model changed the plan in anywhere from about 3% to 75% of cases. Higher rates came from complex cases, such as congenital heart defects (68%, Lippert 2024), children with congenital malformations or tumours (75%, Pelizzo 2025), segmentectomy (52%, Bakhuis 2023), and robotic prostatectomy (32%, Shirk 2022). Lower rates came from routine neurosurgical cases (3 of 107, Colombo 2023). The studies report how often plans changed; none shows that the changes led to better patient outcomes.

How often does VR change the surgical plan?Bar chart. How often does VR change the surgical plan?. Neurosurgery 21, Congenital heart 18, Adult cardiac & structural 12, Urology 8, Thoracic 7, Spine 6, Multi-specialty 5, General & GI surgery 4.RESEARCH LIBRARY · INDEPENDENT LITERATURE REVIEWHow often does VR change the surgicalplan?99 studies in the library, by specialtyNeurosurgery21Congenital heart18Adult cardiac & structur…12Urology8Thoracic7Spine6Multi-specialty5General & GI surgery4Positive findingMixedDescriptiveNo significant differenceRealize Medical Research Library · 631 studies · updated 2026-10-03

How strong is the evidence?

Study designs: 2 randomized trials, 17 comparative or prospective studies, 12 retrospective studies, 8 surveys and user studies, 8 reviews and 52 case reports, case series and technical reports.

Randomized trials: 2 trials on this question; 2 reported a positive finding.

Counts come from the studies' own design labels in the library.

By specialty

Specialties with enough studies link to a page for that specialty and question.

Studies (99)

Preoperative Immersive Virtual Reality Applied to Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Study of Surgical Planning and Clinical Outcomes #

Cumpanas AD et al. · The Journal of urology · 2025

Urology · Randomized controlled trial · n: 175 patients

Positive finding
“Preoperative visualization of the iVR model resulted in a changed calyx of entry in 30% of cases.”

30%

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Effect of 3-Dimensional, Virtual Reality Models for Surgical Planning of Robotic Prostatectomy on Trifecta Outcomes: A Randomized Clinical Trial #

Shirk JD et al. · The Journal of urology · 2022

Urology · Randomized controlled trial · n: 92 patients

Positive finding
“In 32% of intervention cases, the surgeons modified their operative plan based on the model.”

32%

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Impact of Mixed Reality on Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm Clipping: Initial Experience With 25 Cases #

Colombo E et al. · Operative neurosurgery (Hagerstown, Md.) · 2026

Neurosurgery · Comparative study · n: 50 cases (25 MxR, 25 control)

Positive finding
“In 2 cases (8%), surgical planning with MxR led to the modification of the approach or the head's positioning.”

2 cases (8%)

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Proof of Concept: Extended Reality-Assisted Resternotomy Planning for Complex Cardiac Surgery #

Illouz S et al. · Brazilian journal of cardiovascular surgery · 2026

Adult cardiac & structural heart · Prospective cohort · n: 24 patients

Positive finding
“Overall, senior physicians reported that XR influenced their surgical decisions more, suggesting that the utility of XR varies with physician experience and patient age.”

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Mixed reality applied to surgical planning and tailoring of carotid endarterectomies #

Colombo E et al. · Acta neurochirurgica · 2026

Vascular · Prospective cohort · n: 49 patients

Positive finding
“The supervising surgeon significantly altered (shortening) the skin incision in 16 cases (33%).”

33%

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Evaluating virtual reality as a tool for improving surgical planning in spinal tumors #

Nantenaina TNH et al. · International journal of computer assisted radiology and surgery · 2025

Spine · Comparative study · n: 6 patients

Positive finding
“Furthermore, surgeons selected additional anatomical structures to be traversed to reach the tumor when using VR, leading to a more precise selection of surgical approaches.”

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Benefit of virtual reality during visceral artery aneurysms open and endovascular surgery planning #

Donzel D et al. · Journal of vascular surgery cases and innovative techniques · 2025

Vascular · Comparative study · n: 10 patients

Positive finding
“The choice of procedure (OR vs EP) was modified in 15% of cases after 3D VR analysis.”

15%

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The role of virtual reality in management of complex congenital heart diseases in comparison to conventional cardiac computed tomography scan #

Tiwari N et al. · Medical journal, Armed Forces India · 2025

Congenital heart · Prospective cohort · n: 10 patients · Used Elucis

Positive finding
“VR reconstruction in seven patients out of ten (70%)”

7 of 10 patients (70%)

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The potential of Real-Time rendered-volume 3D Imaging in immersive virtual-reality (VR) for surgical planning in infants with congenital thoracic malformation (CTM) #

Zalepugas D et al. · Computational and structural biotechnology journal · 2025

Thoracic · Comparative study · n: 14 patients

Positive finding
“Surgical planning differed significantly, with VR prompting more lobectomy recommendations (57 % vs. 50 %, p = 0.046).”

p = 0.046

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A patient-specific, interactive, multiuser, online mixed-reality neurosurgical training and planning system #

Wang J et al. · Neurosurgical focus · 2024

Neurosurgery · Prospective cohort · n: 40 patients

Positive finding
“The surgeons changed their exploration strategy in 48.3% of the NVC cases.”

48.3%

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Cardiac anatomic digital twins: findings from a single national centre #

Lippert M et al. · European heart journal. Digital health · 2024

Congenital heart · Prospective cohort · n: 50 patients

Positive finding
“Anatomic digital twins changed the initially decided upon surgical strategies for 68% of cases.”

68%

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Essential Surgical Plan Modifications After Virtual Reality Planning in 50 Consecutive Segmentectomies #

Bakhuis W et al. · The Annals of thoracic surgery · 2023

Thoracic · Prospective cohort · n: 50 patients

Positive finding
“After supplemental VR visualization, the surgical plan was adjusted in 52%”

52%

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Mixed Reality for Cranial Neurosurgical Planning: A Single-Center Applicability Study With the First 107 Subsequent Holograms #

Colombo E et al. · Operative neurosurgery (Hagerstown, Md.) · 2023

Neurosurgery · Prospective cohort · n: 107 cases

Mixed
“Based on the 3D hologram, the surgical approach was modified in 3 cases.”

3 cases

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A Novel 3D Visualized Operative Procedure in the Single-Stage Complete Repair With Unifocalization of Pulmonary Atresia With Ventricular Septal Defect and Major Aortopulmonary Collateral Arteries #

Qiu H et al. · Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine · 2022

Congenital heart · Comparative study · n: 20 patients (9 3D-visualised vs 11 conventional)

Positive finding
“All 9 patients in the 3D group were operated only through a median sternotomy, while 8 cases (72.7%) needed another posterolateral thoracotomy in the conventional group, which was statistically different ( p = 0.001).”

p = 0.001

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Use of virtual reality for procedural planning of transcatheter aortic valve replacement #

Ruyra X et al. · Interactive cardiovascular and thoracic surgery · 2022

Adult cardiac & structural heart · Prospective cohort · n: 11 patients

Positive finding
“VR models modified the implant strategy in 5 cases (45.4% of the cases).”

5 cases (45.4%)

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Immersive 3-Dimensional Virtual Reality Modeling for Case-Specific Presurgical Discussions in Cerebrovascular Neurosurgery #

Sugiyama T et al. · Operative neurosurgery (Hagerstown, Md.) · 2021

Neurosurgery · Prospective cohort · n: 18 patients

Positive finding
“The VR session also effectively improved the decision-making process regarding minor surgical techniques in 61.1% of cases”

61.1%

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Application of Three-Dimensional Virtual Reality Models to Improve the Pre-Surgical Plan for Robotic Partial Nephrectomy #

McDonald M, D Shirk J · JSLS · 2021

Urology · Prospective case series · n: 15 patients

Positive finding
“Six surgical approaches were changed based on the 3D VR images.”

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Enhanced 3D visualization for planning biventricular repair of double outlet right ventricle: a pilot study on the advantages of virtual reality #

Milano EG et al. · European heart journal. Digital health · 2021

Congenital heart · Comparative study · n: 10 patients

Positive finding
“improved in four cases with the use of the physical 3D printed model and in five cases using the VR setup, changing the surgical plan from univentricular to biventricular repair”

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Pilot Assessment of Immersive Virtual Reality Renal Models as an Educational and Preoperative Planning Tool for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy #

Parkhomenko E et al. · Journal of endourology · 2019

Urology · Prospective cohort with matched controls · n: 25 patients

Positive finding
“iVR altered the surgical approach in 10 (40%) cases.”

10 (40%)

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Virtual Reality in Neonatal Ductal Stenting: A New Era in Preprocedural Planning for Ductus Arteriosus Stenting in Complex Congenital Heart Defects with Duct-Dependent Pulmonary Circulation #

Szeliga J et al. · Pediatric cardiology · 2026

Congenital heart · Retrospective case series · n: 6 patients

Positive finding
“In another case, VR reconstruction identified a persistent vertical vein connecting the left superior vena cava and the left atrium, providing essential anatomical insight for planning both DA stenting and static atrial septostomy as the first stage of palliation for a complex congenital defect”

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Contribution of Virtual Reality to Surgical Decision-Making for Evaluating Vascular Contraindications in Malignant Head and Neck Tumors #

Munoglu A et al. · Surgical innovation · 2026

ENT / head & neck · Retrospective cohort · n: 27 patients

Mixed
“In MTB, 1 of 20 decisions (5%) was modified after 3D review”

5%

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Visualisation of cardiac magnetic resonance-based anatomic models in virtual reality to evaluate candidacy for transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement in surgically palliated right ventricular outflow tracts #

Wilson HC et al. · Cardiology in the young · 2026

Congenital heart · Retrospective cohort · n: 16 patients · Used Elucis

Descriptive
“Modelling may help evaluate transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement candidacy, but must be used in conjunction with other data.”

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Virtual Reality for Preoperative Planning and Education in Pediatric Surgery: Preliminary Results for the Treatment of Congenital Malformations and Tumors #

Pelizzo G et al. · World journal of surgery · 2025

General & GI surgery · Retrospective case series · n: 50 patients

Positive finding
“Compared to conventional imaging, preoperative VR simulations modified the surgical approach in 75.0% of cases”

75.0%

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Virtual Reality Head-Mounted Display (HMD) and Preoperative Patient-Specific Simulation: Impact on Decision-Making in Pediatric Urology: Preliminary Data #

Lanfranchi G et al. · Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) · 2024

Urology · Retrospective case series · n: 6 patients

Positive finding
“The high depth perception and precision in the orientation of the arteries and veins to the parenchyma changed the intraoperative decision-making process in five patients.”

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Retrospective Comparison of Minimally Invasive and Open Monosegmental Lumbar Fusion, and Impact of Virtual Reality on Surgical Planning and Strategy #

Zawy Alsofy S et al. · Journal of neurological surgery. Part A, Central European neurosurgery · 2021

Spine · Retrospective cohort · n: 171 patients

Mixed
“Image presentation using VR significantly influenced the recommended surgical therapies (decompression only/decompression and fusion; p = 0.02), had no significant influence on the recommended fusion method (rigid/dynamic/stand-alone; p = 0.77)”

p = 0.02

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Cerebral Anatomy Detection and Surgical Planning in Patients with Anterior Skull Base Meningiomas Using a Virtual Reality Technique #

Zawy Alsofy S et al. · Journal of clinical medicine · 2021

Neurosurgery · Retrospective cohort · n: 30 patients

Positive finding
“The 3D-VR modality significantly influenced the detection of tumor-related anatomical structures (p = 0.002), recommended head positioning (p = 0.005), and surgical approach (p = 0.03).”

p = 0.005

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Virtual reality three-dimensional echocardiographic imaging for planning surgical atrioventricular valve repair #

Pushparajah K et al. · JTCVS techniques · 2021

Congenital heart · Retrospective case series · n: 15 patients

Positive finding
“After viewing patient cases on VR, surgeons reported that they would have made minor modifications to surgical approach in 53% and major modifications in 7% of cases.”

53%

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3D Virtual Reality Imaging of Major Aortopulmonary Collateral Arteries: A Novel Diagnostic Modality #

van de Woestijne PC et al. · World journal for pediatric & congenital heart surgery · 2021

Congenital heart · Retrospective case series · n: 7 patients

Positive finding
“In addition, surgical planning was improved since new observations or different preoperative plans were apparent in 4 out of 7 cases.”

4 out of 7

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Evaluation of Surgical Approaches for Tumor Resection in the Deep Infratentorial Region and Impact of Virtual Reality Technique for the Surgical Planning and Strategy #

Zawy Alsofy S et al. · The Journal of craniofacial surgery · 2020

Neurosurgery · Retrospective cohort · n: 93 patients

Mixed
“Image presentation using VR had a significant influence on the recommended surgical approach (P = 0.02), but no influence on the recommended patient positioning (P = 0.37) or placement of craniotomy (P = 0.09).”

P = 0.02

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Impact of Virtual Reality in Arterial Anatomy Detection and Surgical Planning in Patients with Unruptured Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms #

Zawy Alsofy S et al. · Brain sciences · 2020

Neurosurgery · Retrospective cohort · n: 26 patients

Positive finding
“The 3D-VR modality significantly influenced detection of the aneurysm-related vascular structure (p = 0.0001), the recommended head positioning (p = 0.005), and the surgical approach (p = 0.001) in the planning of microsurgical clipping.”

p = 0.001

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Virtual Reality-Based Evaluation of Surgical Planning and Outcome of Monosegmental, Unilateral Cervical Foraminal Stenosis #

Zawy Alsofy S et al. · World neurosurgery · 2019

Spine · Retrospective cohort · n: 73 patients

Mixed
“Reconstruction of pre- and postoperative 2D-CT images of the cervical spine into 3D images, and the spatial and anatomical reconstructions in VR models, can be helpful in planning surgical approaches and treatment strategies for patients with cervical foraminal stenoses”

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Mixed Reality as a Tool for Congenital Heart Disease Case Management Discussions #

Gunsaulus M et al. · Pediatric cardiology · 2026

Congenital heart · Survey/user study · n: 12 cases

Positive finding
“Among surgeons and interventionalists, 82% reported improved procedural planning and 57% altered their procedural approach.”

57%

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Virtual Reality in Orthopaedic Pre-Operative Trauma Planning: A Face and Content Validity Study #

Waugh D et al. · SVOA Orthopaedics · 2025

Orthopedics · Survey/user study · n: 24 surgeon responses

Positive finding
“All participants agreed that the VR representation matched PACS CT imaging, and 87% reported a change in operative plan.”

87%

DOI

Surgeon perspectives on a virtual reality platform for preoperative planning in complex bone sarcomas #

Vucicevic RS et al. · Journal of orthopaedics · 2025

Orthopedics · Survey/user study · n: 4 cases

Positive finding
“Users reported they would change the surgical approach or margins 44.4 % of the time after reviewing with VR technology.”

44.4 %

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Anatomic Review in 3D Augmented Reality Alters Craniotomy Planning Among Residents #

Haider S et al. · World neurosurgery · 2024

Neurosurgery · Survey/user study · n: 6 cases

Mixed
“Skull position significantly changed in 5 out of 6 cases after 3D-AR view (P < 0.05, 20° angular adjustment).”

5 out of 6 cases

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Virtual Reality for Preoperative Surgical Planning in Complex Pediatric Oncology #

Bramlet M et al. · Journal of laparoendoscopic & advanced surgical techniques. Part A · 2024

Multi-specialty · Survey/user study · n: 12 patients

Mixed
“The operative plan changed 8.3% of the time after VRM.”

8.3%

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Preoperative Mixed-Reality Visualization of Complex Tibial Plateau Fractures and Its Benefit Compared to CT and 3D Printing #

Bitschi D et al. · Journal of clinical medicine · 2023

Orthopedics · Survey/user study · n: 3 cases

Positive finding
“In addition, the intended patient positioning changed in 16.1% of the cases, the surgical approach in 33.9% and osteosynthesis in 39.3%.”

33.9%

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Clinical acceptance of advanced visualization methods: a comparison study of 3D-print, virtual reality glasses, and 3D-display #

Muff JL et al. · 3D printing in medicine · 2022

Multi-specialty · Survey/user study

Mixed
“Possible change in treatment was reported using 3D-Print in 33%, VR-Glasses in 44%, and 3D-Display in 33% of participants.”

44%

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3D mixed reality holograms for preoperative surgical planning of nephron-sparing surgery: evaluation of surgeons' perception #

Checcucci E et al. · Minerva urology and nephrology · 2021

Urology · Survey/user study

Positive finding
“64.4% and 44.4% of the surgeons changed their clamping and resection approach”

64.4% and 44.4%

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Immersive extended reality (XR) in oncology: a scoping review of virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) applications for 3D solid tumor visualization #

Afroz S, Zhang L · Frontiers in Virtual Reality · 2026

Multi-specialty · Systematic review · n: 30 studies

Positive finding
“While XR technologies improved surgeon confidence and altered surgical strategies in several cases, most studies were small and single-center feasibility evaluations.”

DOI

The digital evolution of surgical planning: a systematic review of immersive and interactive technologies #

Khubzan WD et al. · Frontiers in surgery · 2026

Multi-specialty · Systematic review

Positive finding
“VR was the most utilized technology (17 studies), improving spatial understanding and prompting plan modifications in 32%-52% of cases (e.g., lung segmentectomies, TAVR).”

32%-52%

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Potential use of virtual and augmented reality technologies in modern cardiology and cardiac surgery #

Rashidova et al. et al. · Digital Diagnostics · 2024

Adult cardiac & structural heart · Narrative review

Positive finding
“a research group of pediatric cardiac surgeons reported increased confidence when planning and performing surgeries in two-thirds of cases and improvements in the surgical strategy in 60% of cases [38].”

60% of cases

DOI

The role of extended reality in eloquent area lesions: a systematic review #

Marrone S et al. · Neurosurgical focus · 2024

Neurosurgery · Systematic review

Positive finding
“The increasing use of such innovative technologies has completely changed the way to approach a lesion, using 3D visualization to foster a better understanding of its anatomical and vascular characteristics.”

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Surgical planning in virtual reality: a systematic review #

Queisner M, Eisenträger K · Journal of medical imaging (Bellingham, Wash.) · 2024

Multi-specialty · Systematic review

Positive finding
“Notably, surgical planning using VR led to more frequent changes in surgical plans compared to planning with other visualization methods when surgeons reassessed their initial plans.”

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Virtual and Augmented Reality in Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review #

McCloskey K et al. · World neurosurgery · 2023

Spine · Systematic review

Positive finding
“Preoperative VR planning significantly influenced surgical recommendations…”

DOIPubMed

Application of virtual and mixed reality for 3D visualization in intracranial aneurysm surgery planning: a systematic review #

Colombo E et al. · Frontiers in surgery · 2023

Neurosurgery · Systematic review

Positive finding
“A positive impact on surgical planning was documented by 19 studies (67.9%)…”

67.9%

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Virtual Reality in Neurosurgery: "Can You See It?"-A Review of the Current Applications and Future Potential #

Fiani B et al. · World neurosurgery · 2020

Neurosurgery · Narrative review

Positive finding
“In cranial surgery, VR has excelled in helping neurosurgeons design unique patient-specific approaches to particularly challenging tumor excisions.”

DOIPubMed

Iterative Virtual and Physical Simulation for Staged Separation of Total Vertical Craniopagus: The Avatar Patient Approach to Conjoined Twins #

Giussani CG et al. · Operative neurosurgery (Hagerstown, Md.) · 2026

Neurosurgery · Experience report · n: 1 patient (twin pair)

Positive finding
“The integrated simulation reshaped the multistep approach, allowing venous partition strategies and refined cranial reconstruction planning to be discussed, replicated, and enhanced multidisciplinarily.”

DOIPubMed

Virtual reality modeling for multidisciplinary surgical planning for complex single ventricular physiology #

Nathan A et al. · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · 2026

Congenital heart · Case report · n: 1 patient

Positive finding
“model simulated a virtual biventricular repair and demonstrated inadequate outflow tracts after patching and baffle”

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Non-surgical management of post-Ross left ventricular pseudoaneurysm assisted by virtual reality imaging #

Thejaswi P et al. · Annals of pediatric cardiology · 2026

Congenital heart · Case report · n: 1 patient

Positive finding
“As the VR reconstructions had suggested an irregular shape of the orifices earlier, the detection of residual flows above the caudally placed muscular VSD device immediately allowed us to switch to plan B, using a sandwich between two occluders”

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Augmented and Virtual Reality for Preprocedural Planning in Hepatic Transarterial Interventional Oncology: A Pilot Study in 50 Cases #

Zahra SA et al. · Journal of vascular and interventional radiology · 2026

Interventional radiology · Feasibility study · n: 50 cases

Positive finding
“AR/VR planning changed the procedural approach in 23 of 50 cases (46%).”

23 of 50 cases (46%)

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Augmented and virtual reality for preprocedural planning and intraprocedural guidance in transplant hepatic artery stenting #

Gordon AC et al. · Abdominal radiology (New York) · 2026

Interventional radiology · Feasibility study · n: 8 patients

Positive finding
“AR/VR planning represented 3.6% of case time and was perceived to change the approach in 6/8 cases (75%).”

6/8 cases (75%)

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Preprocedural virtual reality simulation predicts residual conduction in pulsed field ablation: A case report #

Hasegawa S et al. · HeartRhythm case reports · 2026

Adult cardiac & structural heart · Case report · n: 1 patient

No difference reported
“However, because routine empirical ablation of the left PV carina is not part of our standard strategy, this finding did not lead to a predefined modification of the initial ablation plan.”

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Mixed Reality (Holography)-Guided Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery-A Novel Comparative Feasibility Study #

Aye WMM et al. · Journal of cardiovascular development and disease · 2025

Adult cardiac & structural heart · Case series · n: 3 patients

Positive finding
“The incision site marking made using HoloLens® 2 differed by one intercostal space from the marking made using a conventional surgeon's mental reconstructed image from the patient's preoperative imaging and was found to be a more appropriate site of entry”

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Augmented reality in cranial surgery: Surgical planning and maximal safety in resection of brain tumors via head-mounted fiber tractography #

Gurses ME et al. · Clinical neurology and neurosurgery · 2025

Neurosurgery · Case report · n: 1 patient

Positive finding
“This technological setup was employed for pre-operative and intraoperative planning and further enhanced clinical decision-making for the actual tumor resection.”

DOIPubMed

Two cases of direct aortic transcatheter aortic valve implantation via anterior right Mini-thoracotomy after preoperative virtual reality-based simulation: a case report #

Aichi C et al. · European heart journal. Case reports · 2025

Adult cardiac & structural heart · Case series · n: 2 patients

Positive finding
“In Patient 1, virtual reality simulation revealed that, according to the distance and angulation from the annulus, the ideal puncture site was the second intercostal space.”

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Utilizing virtual reality for resection of recurrent ventral, extramedullary cervical meningioma #

Rajendran R et al. · Surgical neurology international · 2025

Spine · Case report · n: 1 patient

Positive finding
“Initial surgical planning favored an anterior approach, but VR-assisted mapping demonstrated that a posterior approach would provide greater exposure while minimizing disruption to surrounding structures”

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Two-Step Parametrial Endometriosis Nodule Excision Using Virtual Reality Technology and 3D Modelling for Surgical Planning #

Sinha R et al. · Case reports in obstetrics and gynecology · 2025

Gynecology · Case report · n: 1 patient · Used Elucis

Positive finding
“This allowed the robotic surgeon to plan their detailed surgical approach (two-step excision) and perform the surgery efficiently and effectively, achieving an optimal surgical outcome and minimal surgical complications.”

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Virtual reality-guided simulation of brachytherapy: Two case reports #

Okuma K et al. · Journal of contemporary brachytherapy · 2025

Radiation oncology · Case series · n: 2 patients

Positive finding
“A preliminary brachytherapy treatment plan was generated in Oncentra, incorporating the VR-based findings.”

DOIPubMedFree full text

Novel planning pipeline utilizing the Surgical Theater system for pediatric epilepsy surgery #

Shields LBE et al. · Epilepsia open · 2025

Neurosurgery · Experience report · n: 85 patients

Positive finding
“The multi-layered and 3D model of the ST system facilitates epilepsy decision-making for both diagnosis and treatment, enhances surgical navigation, and even allows, in a robust virtual reality (VR) environment, the practice of complex surgical procedures.”

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Utility of Three-Dimensional Holographic Workstation for Preoperative Simulation of Complex Congenital Heart Surgery #

Takao H et al. · Interdisciplinary CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery · 2025

Congenital heart · Case report · n: 1 patient

Positive finding
“was initially considered for the single-ventricle pathway. However, preoperative evaluation using a holographic workstation enabled precise ventricular volume assessment and intraventricular rerouting simulation. A virtual baffle confirmed the feasibility of biventricular repair.”

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Using a novel three-dimensional holographic technology to perform open vascular surgery procedures #

Galyfos G et al. · Journal of vascular surgery cases and innovative techniques · 2024

Vascular · Case report · n: 1 patient

Descriptive
“Based on the preoperative assessment, it was decided to perform a femoral–deep femoral artery bypass. Due to coral reef aorta, aortic surgery was excluded”

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Case Report: Use of novel AR registration system for presurgical planning during vestibular schwannoma resection surgery #

Olexa J et al. · Frontiers in surgery · 2024

Neurosurgery · Case report · n: 1 patient

Positive finding
“This allowed the surgeon to plan the craniotomy location and optimize proper head position.”

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Holography-guided procedural planning for modifying Venus P-valve implantation technique in patients with left pulmonary artery stents: a case-series #

d'Aiello AF et al. · Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine · 2024

Congenital heart · Case series · n: 17 patients

Positive finding
“which were useful to plan valve implantation with a modified technique”

DOIPubMedFree full text

Virtual reality modelling for planning of percutaneous first step palliation in a newborn with heterotaxy syndrome #

Dziewulska A et al. · Cardiology in the young · 2024

Congenital heart · Case report · n: 1 patient

Positive finding
“Virtual reality imaging aided visualisation, decision-making, and planning.”

DOIPubMedFree full text

Infections of cardiac implantable electronic devices and how to improve transvenous lead extraction by the virtual reality #

Carretero EG et al. · Indian journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery · 2024

Adult cardiac & structural heart · Case series · n: 10 patients

Positive finding
“Processed images and virtual reality showed intense adherences of the leads to the veins, right ventricle, and right atrium endocardium and between them that preclude a difficult extraction and required a carefully planning and sometimes a different technical approach.”

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Successful laparoscopic retroperitoneal tumor resection using mixed reality and guiding marker techniques #

Tohi Y et al. · IJU case reports · 2024

General & GI surgery · Case report · n: 1 patient

Positive finding
“This process revealed that the conventional port site located directly below the costal arch for laparoscopic nephrectomy was near the tumor. Therefore, the port site was set 1.5 cm caudal to this location”

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Exploring the Potential Use of Virtual Reality with a Supraorbital Keyhole Craniotomy for Anterior Skull Base Meningiomas: Two Case Reports #

Valerio J et al. · Journal of personalized medicine · 2024

Neurosurgery · Case series · n: 2 patients

Positive finding
“We can utilize VR/AR technologies to identify patients that will benefit from an SOKC and expand the implementation of the approach beyond its current limitations.”

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Surgical Multidisciplinary Team Meetings Are Enhanced by Collaboration in the Metaverse #

Ghaderi R et al. · Journal of medical extended reality · 2024

Orthopedics · Feasibility study

Descriptive
“Participants found that "data visualization" and "clinical decision-making" were effective in IVR: median 5 (interquartile range [IQR], 4-5) and 5 (IQR, 4-5), respectively.”

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Using Virtual Reality for Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Preoperative Planning #

Freidin D et al. · Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open · 2023

Plastic & reconstructive · Case series · n: 30 patients

Mixed
“In four cases, VR imaging modified the surgical strategy…”

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Usage of Object Matching Algorithms Combined with Mixed Reality for Enhanced Decision Making in Orbital Reconstruction-A Technical Note #

Wilkat M et al. · Journal of personalized medicine · 2023

Oral & maxillofacial / craniofacial · Technical note · n: 1 patient

Descriptive
“The results could be visualized by mixed reality devices to further enhance surgical decision-making.”

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3D Virtual modelling, 3D printing and extended reality for planning of implant procedure of short-term and long-term mechanical circulatory support devices and heart transplantation #

Stepanenko A et al. · Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine · 2023

Adult cardiac & structural heart · Case series · n: 6 patients (53 biomodels)

Positive finding
“In the cases presented, the final approach decided for each patient after 3D-based planning was improved when compared to the intention to treat recorded before 3D-based planning.”

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Case report: Impact of mixed reality on anatomical understanding and surgical planning in a complex fourth ventricular tumor extending to the lamina quadrigemina #

Colombo E et al. · Frontiers in surgery · 2023

Neurosurgery · Case report · n: 1 patient

Positive finding
“The application of advanced 3D visualization with a novel MxR system to the surgical planning of a complex fourth ventricular lesion proved relevant in designing the best surgical approach and trajectory to better identify potential intraoperative challenges and rehearse the patient-specific anatomy.”

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Holographic Techniques as a Novel Method for Intervention Planning: A Tertiary Centres Experience #

D'Aiello AF et al. · Current health sciences journal · 2023

Adult cardiac & structural heart · Experience report

Positive finding
“Basing on these analyses transcatheter treatment was preferred to open surgery.”

DOIPubMedFree full text

Virtual reality training and modeling to aid in pre-procedural practice for thoracic nerve root block in the setting of a schwannoma #

Wang EF et al. · Interventional pain medicine · 2023

Anesthesia & pain · Case report · n: 1 patient

Positive finding
“a fluoroscopic view with right-sided oblique angulation to 15° would provide the optimal approach to the neuroforamen with minimal risk to infiltrating the mass or nerve root”

DOIPubMedFree full text

The "Canopy Approach": Case Series Using Immersive Virtual Reality for Bottom-Up Target-Based Preoperative Planning in Pediatric Neurosurgery #

Lai GY et al. · Neurosurgery practice · 2023

Neurosurgery · Case series · n: 5 patients

Positive finding
“Modifications to 2-dimensional and "top-down" VR trajectory plans were made after "bottom-up" navigation in all cases.”

DOIPubMedFree full text

3D mixed-reality visualization of medical imaging data as a supporting tool for innovative, minimally invasive surgery for gastrointestinal tumors and systemic treatment as a new path in personalized treatment of advanced cancer diseases #

Wierzbicki R et al. · Journal of cancer research and clinical oncology · 2022

Hepatobiliary & pancreatic (HPB) · Case series · n: 8 patients

Positive finding
“It was used for planning the scope of the surgery and was the basis for the decision regarding the choice of the surgical technique.”

DOIPubMedFree full text

Developing Virtual Reality Head Mounted Display (HMD) Set-Up for Thoracoscopic Surgery of Complex Congenital Lung MalFormations in Children #

Pelizzo G et al. · Children (Basel, Switzerland) · 2022

Thoracic · Case series

Positive finding
“Trocar positioning also had benefit from the preoperative VR HMD study in all cases.”

DOIPubMedFree full text

Virtual Reality in the Preoperative Planning of Adult Aortic Surgery: A Feasibility Study #

Abjigitova D et al. · Journal of cardiovascular development and disease · 2022

Adult cardiac & structural heart · Feasibility study · n: 6 patients

Positive finding
“In 33% of cases (two out of six), the preoperative decision was adjusted due to the 3D VR-based evaluation of the anatomy.”

33%

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Tailored endoscopic treatment of tracheo-oesophageal fistula using preoperative holographic assessment and a cardiac septal occluder #

Siboni S et al. · BMJ case reports · 2022

Thoracic · Case report · n: 1 patient

Positive finding
“After revision of the CT scan with holographic 3D reconstruction, endoscopic closure of the fistula with an Amplatzer device (AGA Medical, Plymouth, Minnesota, USA) was planned through a combined bronchoscopic, oesophagoscopic and fluoroscopic approach.”

DOIPubMedFree full text

A Novel Technique of Mixed Reality Systems in the Treatment of Spinal Cord Tumors #

Aoyama R et al. · Cureus · 2022

Spine · Case series · n: 5 patients

Positive finding
“The 3D visualization of pathological conditions resulted in correct preoperative surgical planning and less invasive surgery in all five cases.”

DOIPubMedFree full text

Removal of a foreign body by rigid bronchoscope after virtual reality-aided presurgical planning: A case report #

Torii A et al. · Respiratory medicine case reports · 2022

Thoracic · Case report · n: 1 patient

Positive finding
“Therefore, the planning for removal was changed to not only use gripping forceps but also to cut the granulation tissue and remove the metallic part.”

DOIPubMedFree full text

Virtual Reality Simulation for Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting With Aortic No-Touch Total Arterial Grafting Technique #

Tachibana K et al. · Innovations (Philadelphia, Pa.) · 2022

Adult cardiac & structural heart · Case series · n: 17 patients

Positive finding
“The surgical strategy was adjusted in 11.8% of the cases due to the 3-dimensional virtual reality-based anatomy evaluation.”

11.8%

DOIPubMed

Extended reality platform for minimally invasive endoscopic evacuation of deep-seated intracerebral hemorrhage: illustrative case #

Steineke TC, Barbery D · Journal of neurosurgery. Case lessons · 2022

Neurosurgery · Case report · n: 1 patient

Positive finding
“We then revised the approach using the 360VR model, allowing us to fly through the plan and ensure that no vital structures were compromised”

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Preoperative visualization of congenital lung abnormalities: hybridizing artificial intelligence and virtual reality #

Bakhuis W et al. · European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery · 2022

Thoracic · Feasibility study · n: 5 patients

Positive finding
“If the patients would have been operated, adding the 3D VR tool to the preoperative workup would have resulted in changing the surgical strategy (i.e. lobectomy versus segmentectomy) in 4 cases.”

4 cases

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Retroperitoneal teratoma resection assisted by 3-dimensional visualization and virtual reality: A case report #

Liu T et al. · World journal of clinical cases · 2021

General & GI surgery · Case report · n: 1 patient

Positive finding
“the multidisciplinary team was able to determine preoperatively that the renal artery would be challenging to isolate but that reconstruction was possible”

DOIPubMedFree full text

Hybrid Simulation and Planning Platform for Cryosurgery with Microsoft HoloLens #

Condino S et al. · Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) · 2021

Interventional radiology · Technical development · n: 2 patients

Positive finding
“Three out of seven participants preferred to modify their original plan after using the desktop application”

3 of 7 participants

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Using virtual reality simulated implantation for fit-testing pediatric patients for adult ventricular assist devices #

Davies RR et al. · JTCVS techniques · 2021

Congenital heart · Case series · n: 3 patients

Positive finding
“Patient 1 was not felt to be a candidate for HVAD implantation, because during VR placement of the pump within the chest, the pump inflow would have been located within the system AV valve annulus.”

DOIPubMedFree full text

Virtual reality and artificial intelligence for 3-dimensional planning of lung segmentectomies #

Sadeghi AH et al. · JTCVS techniques · 2021

Thoracic · Feasibility study · n: 10 patients

Positive finding
“In 40% of the cases, the surgical strategy was adjusted due to the 3-dimensional-VR-based evaluation of anatomy.”

40%

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A Virtual Reality System for Improved Image-Based Planning of Complex Cardiac Procedures #

Deng S et al. · Journal of imaging · 2021

Congenital heart · Technical development

Positive finding
“After using our system, the surgeons experienced an increase in their confidence regarding the surgical approach in two thirds of the cases and reported that they would have modified their original plan in 60% of the cases.”

60% of cases

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Virtual reality-guided left ventricular assist device implantation in pediatric patient: Valuable presurgical tool #

Ramaswamy RK et al. · Annals of pediatric cardiology · 2021

Congenital heart · Case report · n: 1 patient

Positive finding
“We could confirm that the inflow cannula will not impinge on the mitral valve. He was hence offered an LVAD implant.”

DOIPubMedFree full text

Use of Virtual Reality for Hybrid Closure of Multiple Ventricular Septal Defects #

Ghosh RM et al. · JACC. Case reports · 2021

Congenital heart · Case report · n: 1 patient

Positive finding
“Viewing the models in virtual reality allowed the team to precisely locate the defects and decide on a hybrid transcatheter and surgical approach to ensure successful repair.”

DOIPubMedFree full text

Patient-specific virtual reality technology for complex neurosurgical cases: illustrative cases #

Anthony D et al. · Journal of neurosurgery. Case lessons · 2021

Neurosurgery · Case series · n: 5 patients

Positive finding
“For two cases, the plan changed after reviewing the patient's 360°VR model from one based on conventional Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine imaging.”

DOIPubMedFree full text

SURG-03. IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL REALITY APPLICATIONS IN NEUROSURGICAL ONCOLOGY #

Carai A et al. · Neuro-Oncology · 2020

Neurosurgery · Conference abstract · n: 60 patients

Positive finding
“Use of the 3D VR was used during preoperative planning allowing a better definition of surgical strategy.”

DOIFree full text

Immersive 3D virtual reality imaging in planning minimally invasive and complex adult cardiac surgery #

Sadeghi AH et al. · European heart journal. Digital health · 2020

Adult cardiac & structural heart · Feasibility study · n: 6 patients

Positive finding
“Due to better preoperative planning in VR, the operation plan was modified and thoracoscopic port placement locations were changed according to the insights provided by VR-guided planning.”

DOIPubMedFree full text

The Application of Virtual Reality for Preoperative Planning of Lymphovenous Anastomosis in a Patient with a Complex Lymphatic Malformation #

Giacalone G et al. · Journal of clinical medicine · 2019

Plastic & reconstructive · Case report · n: 1 patient

Positive finding
“Based on the combined findings of this 3D model and lymphography with a fluorescent marker, a precise skin incision could be determined and one lymph vessel was anastomosed to a nearby vein.”

DOIPubMedFree full text

Use of virtual reality for pre-surgical planning in separation of conjoined twins: A case report #

Juhnke B et al. · Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Part H, Journal of engineering in medicine · 2019

General & GI surgery · Case report · n: 1 patient

Positive finding
“The surgical plan to close the 1-mm interatrial communication was significantly modified based on the pre-procedural spatial awareness of the anatomy presented in the virtual visualization.”

DOIPubMed

Three-dimensional Printing and Augmented Reality: Enhanced Precision for Robotic Assisted Partial Nephrectomy #

Wake N et al. · Urology · 2018

Urology · Case report (video) · n: 1 patient

Positive finding
“The application of 3D printed and AR models is safe and feasible and can influence surgical decisions.”

DOIPubMed

3D Virtual Reality Models Created from MRI data for Pre-operative Evaluation of Renal Cancer #

Wake N et al. · Proc. Intl. Soc. Mag. Reson. Med. 25 (ISMRM 2017), abstract 4948 · 2017

Urology · Conference abstract

Descriptive
“These models may alter the surgical plan, and could promote both nephron-sparing surgery and preservation of healthy parenchyma, as surgeons gain a better visualization of the size and location of a tumor in relation to normal tissue and vital structures.”

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Summarises published research on VR/AR surgical planning across all platforms. Not product labelling. For Elucis indications see /elucis.

Intended for healthcare professionals.

Summaries and quotes describe each study's methods and the findings its authors report. They are not claims by Realize Medical and may contain errors: please read the original paper. Inclusion is not an endorsement of any product or use.