Augmented reality being trialled at George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust

"Using AR means there is no break in focus and better accuracy when delivering the treatment.”

George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust is trailing AR, through an Apple Vision Pro headset, to help deliver ultrasound guided injections. 

Dr Arul James, Clinical Lead Chronic Pain Medicine at George Eliot Hospital, said: “We are proud to be leading on this revolutionary new use of AR in helping patients with their chronic pain treatment during ultrasound guided injections.

“Millions of people worldwide suffer from chronic pain. It affects quality of life and often eludes complete relief through conventional methods.

“Targeted treatments, such as injections and nerve blocks, are critical for many patients. Historically, these procedures required clinicians to shift their focus between the patient and the ultrasound device, affecting both accuracy and comfort, but using AR means there is no break in focus and better accuracy when delivering the treatment.”

Christina Redfern was one of the first patients to benefit from the approach, she said: “My experience was exceptional. I felt safe in the knowledge that technology was enabling better care. I had been shown the goggles before and Dr James gave me a detailed explanation of how they work, what the benefits were and what to expect.

“As a lover of all things technology, it was exciting and piqued my curiosity in how AR could be used to benefit myself as a patient, as well as patients who I care for in my job as a senior member of the nursing team at George Eliot Hospital.

“During the whole procedure, l felt connected to Dr James as the support team were amazing. They ensured I was comfortable at all times and Dr James told me everything that was going on to help keep me informed.”