Apple Vision Pro and Its Implications in Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A Narrative Review

Cureus. 2024 Oct 14;16(10):e71440. doi: 10.7759/cureus.71440. eCollection 2024 Oct.

Abstract

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a precise and effective technique for treating skin cancers, necessitating high accuracy and real-time decision-making to ensure complete tumor removal while preserving healthy tissue. The introduction of the Apple Vision Pro (AVP), an advanced mixed-reality headset, presents a potential technological advancement in surgical practice. The present investigation explores the integration of AVP into Mohs surgery, focusing on its potential to enhance preoperative planning, intraoperative guidance, and postoperative analysis. The AVP's high-resolution displays, advanced eye-tracking technology, and real-time data overlay capabilities may assist in meticulous surgical planning and execution. In the preoperative phase, AVP enables the creation and manipulation of detailed 3D models, providing comprehensive visualizations of tumor margins and critical structures. During surgery, AVP's real-time data overlay aids in precise tumor excision and spatial orientation, reducing errors and improving outcomes. Postoperatively, the AVP facilitates detailed procedural reviews and serves as a robust educational tool for surgical trainees. Despite its promising applications, challenges such as real-time resolution limitations, potential eye strain from prolonged use, and high costs must be addressed for widespread clinical adoption. This review highlights the transformative potential of AVP in Mohs surgery and underscores the need for further research to optimize integration and maximize benefits in dermatological procedures.

Keywords: apple vision pro; augmented reality; dermatological surgery; intraoperative guidance; mixed reality; mohs micrographic surgery; postoperative analysis; preoperative planning; surgical precision; technological advancements.

Publication types

  • Review