Adoption of Immersive VR and AR in Surgery: Tailwinds, Headwinds, and Future Outlook
At LSI USA '24, I moderated a panel discussion examining the critical factors influencing VR and AR adoption in surgical environments, bringing together perspectives from technology innovators, investors, and strategic leaders.
Panel Participants
| Speaker | Organization | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Sabeen Shaikh | LifeSciences Consultants | Moderator |
| Richard Vincent | FundamentalVR | CEO |
| Bhavesh Barot | Truffle Capital | MedTech Business Development |
| Rachel Van Stratton-Kirk | Johnson & Johnson MedTech | Strategy, Advanced Visualization |
Key Discussion Areas
The Current State of VR/AR in Surgery
The panel explored the evolution of immersive technologies in surgical settings, from initial hype to current reality. While the potential remains significant, the industry has entered what some call the "trough of disillusionment" as early implementations face real-world challenges.
Headwinds: Barriers to Adoption
Economic Constraints:
- Macroeconomic pressures limiting innovation budgets at hospitals
- Competing priorities for capital investment
- Longer sales cycles and increased scrutiny on ROI
Technical and Workflow Challenges:
- Integration complexity with existing surgical workflows
- Fragmented vendor landscape lacking comprehensive solutions
- Limited real-world evidence supporting clinical outcomes
- Concerns about workflow disruption among surgical teams
Market Maturity:
- Gap between technology capability and practical implementation
- Need for standardization across platforms
- Training requirements for effective utilization
Tailwinds: Growth Drivers
Post-Pandemic Shifts:
- Accelerated acceptance of remote training alternatives
- Recognition of limitations in traditional apprenticeship models
- Increased openness to digital solutions in healthcare
Skills Gap Pressures:
- Resident work hour restrictions creating training challenges
- Need for simulation-based skills development
- Opportunity for consistent, repeatable training experiences
Cost Reduction Potential:
- 50-60% training cost savings reported by early adopters
- Reduced reliance on expensive cadaver labs
- Decreased need for physical simulation equipment
Technology Catalysts:
- Apple Vision Pro reigniting investor and market interest
- Improved hardware capabilities and user experience
- Integration potential with intraoperative imaging systems
Revenue Model Insights
The panel discussed various monetization strategies:
- Subscription-based models emerging as preferred approach
- Alignment with hospital procurement practices varies
- Need for flexible pricing to accommodate different organizational readiness levels
- Importance of demonstrating ongoing value beyond initial implementation
Strategic Implications
For Technology Companies
- Focus on workflow integration rather than standalone solutions
- Build comprehensive platforms addressing multiple surgical training needs
- Generate clinical evidence demonstrating tangible outcomes
- Develop flexible business models aligned with customer procurement realities
For Healthcare Organizations
- Start with specific use cases showing clear ROI
- Pilot programs to demonstrate value before broad implementation
- Engage surgical champions early in evaluation process
- Consider total cost of ownership including training and support
For Investors
- Long-term horizon required for meaningful adoption
- Platform plays may offer more sustainable value than point solutions
- Evidence generation critical for de-risking investments
- Watch for catalysts like major tech company entries (e.g., Apple Vision Pro)
The Path Forward
The consensus view: VR and AR in surgery are not overhyped, but adoption will be slower and more measured than initial enthusiasm suggested. Success requires:
- Clear demonstration of value in specific surgical applications
- Seamless integration with existing workflows and systems
- Strong evidence base supporting clinical and economic benefits
- Collaborative development between technology providers and surgical users
- Patient-centric outcomes as the ultimate measure of success
The technologies are evolving from experimental to practical, but widespread adoption depends on addressing real-world implementation challenges while continuing to improve the underlying technology.
Watch the Full Discussion
The complete panel discussion is available on the Life Science Market Research website, offering deeper insights into market dynamics, competitive positioning, and strategic considerations for VR/AR adoption in surgical settings.