Background: 3D printing has gone from a futuristic device to a house hold item. Last year a host of virtual reality devices came to the market bringing virtual reality out of novelty status and into everyday use. They hold a strong potential role in the medical arena. Currently 3D printing is used in craniofacial surgery for planning and prefabrication of custom plates. In the medical arena, cardiologists have started 3D printing models of complex cardiac anatomy for planning prior to undertaking percutaneous interventions. Virtual Reality (VR) company HTC Vive has pledged ten million US dollars to the development of VR projects that “create positive impact”, whilst rival Oculus Rift (owned by facebook), are funding VR developers up to five hundred million US, with a plan to invest three billion dollars over the next decade. Anatomy programs are currently available, and are in further development to allow users a more intimate and interactive experience.
Methods: The role of 3d printing at its current state, and its potential for tissue printing and biological prosthesis are discussed. Virtual reality and its role in surgical planning, demonstrating, and teaching are discussed. The potential for augmented reality surgical aids are also discussed. Concerns regarding an active camera in theatre with an active live internet connection is discussed. Currently 3D printing is used in craniofacial surgery for planning and prefabrication of custom plates. In the medical arena, cardiologists have started 3D printing models of complex cardiac anatomy for planning prior to undertaking percutaneous interventions.
Conclusion: Surgery is an exciting and constantly evolving field. The use of 3D printing, virtual and augmented reality devices holds not only the potential to reduce morbidity and improve surgical outcomes but also decrease surgical and perioperative planning difficulties and operating times.