Apple Vision Pro-Assisted Vascular Identification in Lung Surgery

Apple Vision Pro-Assisted Vascular Identification in Lung Surgery: A Prospective Interventional Study

This study is testing whether a new mixed-reality head-mounted display (Apple Vision Pro) can help surgeons see blood vessels more clearly during lung surgery.

During the operation, doctors usually need to identify and protect important blood vessels to avoid bleeding. In this study, surgeons will wear the Apple Vision Pro device, which shows 3D images of the lungs and blood vessels. This may help them find vessels more accurately and make surgery safer.

Participants scheduled for lung surgery at Huai'an Second People's Hospital will be invited to join. Before the operation, participants will have a CT scan. During surgery, doctors will use the device while performing the procedure.

The study does not change the standard surgical steps, and there are no extra risks for participants. The main goal is to see if this new technology makes surgery easier and safer.

Participation is voluntary, and all personal information will be kept confidential.

Background:

Precise identification of pulmonary blood vessels is critical in thoracic surgery to prevent intraoperative bleeding and complications. Conventional methods rely on direct visual inspection and preoperative imaging review. Recent advances in extended reality (XR) technology offer potential for real-time, three-dimensional visualization during surgery.

Objective:

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and safety of using Apple Vision Pro, a mixed-reality head-mounted display, to assist surgeons in identifying and navigating blood vessels during lung surgery.

Methods:

This is a single-center, prospective clinical study conducted at Huai'an Second People's Hospital. Patients undergoing elective lung surgery will be enrolled. All participants will receive standard preoperative chest CT scans.

During surgery, the surgical team will use Apple Vision Pro to visualize reconstructed 3D vascular models superimposed on the surgical field. The primary outcome is the accuracy of vessel identification and navigation. Secondary outcomes include operative time, blood loss, complication rates, and surgeon feedback on usability.

Ethical Considerations:

The study protocol has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Huai'an Second People's Hospital. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants prior to enrollment.

Significance:

If successful, this study may provide a novel technological approach to improving surgical precision and safety in thoracic surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients aged 18 years or older. Diagnosed with lung nodules or early-stage lung cancer requiring surgical resection (lobectomy or segmentectomy).

Scheduled for elective lung surgery at Huai'an Second People's Hospital. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status Classification I-III.

Ability to understand and sign the informed consent form. Willingness to undergo surgery with the Apple Vision Pro navigation assistance.

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients under 18 years of age. Pregnant or breastfeeding women. Patients with severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction (e.g., severe COPD, unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction) that would contraindicate surgery.

Participation in another interventional clinical trial within the past 30 days. Inability to cooperate with the surgical team or follow study procedures.