Tri-Service General Hospital's Thoracic Surgery Department, known for its advanced precision minimally invasive surgeries and 3D imaging simulation systems, has partnered with Lixel to create a groundbreaking approach to doctor-patient communication. This collaboration leverages Lixel's world-leading glasses-free 3D imaging and mid-air interaction technology to develop a new, intuitive communication model. They also achieved a world-first by conducting synchronized preoperative discussions and planning between Taipei and Penghu, showcasing Taiwan's innovation in medical technology and its commitment to improving healthcare access in remote areas.
The medical profession is grounded in the ethical principle of treating patients with empathy, embodied in the adage "Treating illness starts with treating the person, and treating the person starts with the heart." Effective communication during treatment is crucial to alleviating patients' and families' anxiety. While this requires doctors to have strong communication skills, advanced technology can also play a vital role. By using more concrete and understandable methods, doctors can help patients and their families quickly grasp their medical conditions and treatment options, thereby reducing their stress.
To implement this technological innovation, Dr. Tsai-Wang Huang, Dr. Hsu-Kai Huang, and Dr. Kuan-Hsun Lin from the Thoracic Surgery Department worked closely with Lixel's engineering team. They first used the hospital's 3D imaging simulation system to convert a patient's CT scan into a 3D model. This model was then rendered into a 3D floating image using Lixel's glasses-free 3D display and mid-air interaction technology, allowing for intuitive manipulation and editing. Using Lixel's remote synchronization software, doctors in different locations could simultaneously view and interact with the same 3D image.
On August 3rd, a real-world test was conducted between the Taipei main hospital and the Penghu branch. Using two of Lixel's glasses-free 3D display devices, doctors at both sites could simultaneously engage in preoperative discussions and planning. By intuitively examining the 3D floating image constructed from the patient's lung CT scan, they could better understand the positions of blood vessels and bronchi from all angles. This technology also made it easier to identify the resection margins in cases with multiple lung nodules and simulate potential surgical scenarios, reducing the risks associated with surgery.
Before the surgery, Dr. Tsai-Wang Huang used the "glasses-free 3D imaging and mid-air interaction technology" to explain the patient's lung condition and the planned surgical approach to the patient and their family. Their feedback, expressing greater understanding and reassurance due to this innovative explanation, made all the effort worthwhile. The surgery was successfully completed on the same day.
Dr. Tsai-Wang Huang emphasized that this technological innovation highlights a patient-centered approach in healthcare, creating a breakthrough model for doctor-patient communication that alleviates doubts and pressures. This technology will also be introduced in Penghu, helping to improve the quality of healthcare on the islands and enhance the trust between doctors and patients. All the hard work and dedication have truly paid off.
Resource (mandarin): 三軍總醫院與幻景啟動合作創造嶄新醫病溝通、術前規劃和遠距醫療新情境
