Future perspectives of digital visualization technologies in vascular surgery Augmented reality, virtual reality and 3D printing

The implementation of digital technology in surgery is one of the key challenges for current and upcoming generations of vascular surgeons. In the context of vascular medicine, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and 3D printing represent digital visualization technologies that will increasingly become implemented; however, the potential applications as well as the process of implementation needs to be evaluated and supervised by the vascular scientific community. The key feature and integral element of all three digital technologies is the electronic model (STL file) of the relevant anatomy that can then be visualized in different ways. The current applications of AR/VR include simulation, rehearsal and training and could be demonstrated to increase time efficiency and safety. While the AR technology has already been successfully tested in the operating room (although currently not in routine use due to technical challenges), the applicability of VR in the operating room remains to be evaluated. The 3D printing technology is currently used for simulation, clarification and training purposes as well as in patient education and for generation of patient-specific cutting guides in the operating room.