Spatial Computing With the Apple Vision Pro in Minimally Invasive Procedure Simulation: a randomized crossover feasibility study

Authors

• Sydney Cooper, University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonFollow
• Aaron Kyle Jones, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterFollow
• Rahul Anil Sheth, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterFollow
• Koustav Pal, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterFollow
• Bruno Odisio, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterFollow
• Mark Blaylock, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterFollow
• Shelita Kimble, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterFollow
• Justin Bird, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterFollow
• David Rice, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterFollow
• Daniel Shoenthal, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterFollow
• Emil Patel, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterFollow
• Vipin Kamath, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterFollow
• Sanjay Gupta, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterFollow
• Jeffrey Siewerdsen, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterFollow
• Joshua Kuban, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterFollow

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of wearing the Apple Vision Pro (AVP), a mixed-reality headset that integrates augmented and virtual reality, while performing minimally invasive procedures. While studies have demonstrated that spatial computing technology can improve surgical precision and reduce the risks of surgical complications, to our knowledge, no studies have specifically addressed the impact of the AVP on task performance during simulated image-guided procedures.

Materials and Methods: Thirteen diagnostic and interventional radiology residents performed image-guided central venous catheter placement, thoracentesis, and paracentesis on simulation models. Each participant completed a non-timed practice followed by the procedures once with and once without the AVP, in a randomized order. The total procedure completion times were compared using a paired t test. Subsequently, we administered a questionnaire, using a Likert scale (1-10), to obtain quantitative data on the operators’ perception of the headset.

Results: For paracentesis, the mean completion time was 47 seconds with the AVP headset compared to 57 seconds without (P = .129). For thoracentesis, the mean completion time was 58 seconds with the AVP, compared to 63 seconds without (P = .563). For central venous catheter insertion, the mean completion time was 168 seconds with the AVP, compared to 132 seconds without (P = .059). Across all tasks, there was no statistically significant difference in mean procedure times, indicating the AVP headset does not affect procedural efficiency. Quantitative feedback demonstrated a mean Likert score of 7.9 for positive overall experience and 7.8 for safety while performing procedures, where higher scores reflect a more favorable perception. Conversely, scores of 6.1 for device heaviness, 3.5 for hand-eye coordination, and 3.7 for perceived negative impact on procedure performance suggest a poorer experience for these aspects.

Conclusion: The AVP headset demonstrated comparable procedure completion times in minimally invasive procedure simulations. While participants noted the heaviness of the headset and that hand-eye coordination was somewhat impaired, they reported a generally favorable experience using the headset and most felt confident performing minor procedures while wearing the device. These results suggest that spatial computing headsets have potential applications in image-guided procedures and provide the basis for further evaluation in real-world operative settings.

Grants and Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Cooper S, Jones AK, Sheth RA, Pal K, Odisio B, Blaylock M, Kimble S, Bird J, Rice D, Shoenthal D, Patel E, Kamath V, Gupta S, Siewerdsen J, Kuban J. Spatial Computing With the Apple Vision Pro in Minimally Invasive Procedure Simulation: a randomized crossover feasibility study. Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement. 2026; 2(1).