Apple Vision Pro-Assisted Vascular Identification in Lung Surgery

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.