Augmedics announces new features for its Augmented Reality surgical navigation platform

In Augmented Reality News 

March 14, 2023 – Augmedics, a provider of augmented reality (AR) surgical navigation solutions, has recently announced the launch of new, FDA-cleared features and indications for its xvision Spine System. The company’s xvision system allows surgeons to see patients’ anatomy as if they have “x-ray vision.”

According to Augmedics, the update signifies xvision’s largest expansion since the platform’s commercial launch and creates a technical foundation for future platform developments. The update also comes just weeks after the company’s 3,000th patient milestone.

Included among the new features are artificial intelligence (AI) image enhancement functionality and new customizable views, which help to further expand xvision’s advanced visualization and customization capabilities. In addition, new indications have been added to the platform – in the context of medicine, “indication” refers to a specific medical condition, symptom, or circumstance that warrants or justifies the use of a particular medication, procedure, or therapy.

New indications added to the xvision system include cervical and iliosacral indications, which join existing thoracic, lumbar, and sacral indications, and help to expand xvision’s clearance to nearly the whole spine. As a result, surgeons will be able to benefit from the advantages of xvision navigation where anatomic and visualization challenges can significantly impact the procedure, according to Augmedics.

The company began the rollout of the new updates to its user base, which spans 21 US states, in early January, and estimates that these will be largely complete by the end of Q1 2023. Augmedics stated that feedback from users of the xvision platform has so far been overwhelmingly positive.

“xvision is a ‘whole new beast’ in the best way possible,” said Dr. Tyler G. Smith, orthopedic spine surgeon and founder of the Sierra Spine Institute in Roseville, California. “The AI-enhanced 3D model and 2D images are transformative in terms of visualization, and the new lateral x-ray view is an excellent tool… This is the happiest I’ve been yet with navigation.”

Also commenting on the new features, Augmedics President and CEO Kevin Hykes, said: “This is a significant step forward for xvision in what is proving already to be a noteworthy year. Our new cervical and iliosacral indications mean more surgeons – and consequently more patients – are benefiting from the accuracy, precision, and confidence of xvision navigation. We are also thrilled to launch our first application of AI, which represents the tip of the iceberg in terms of decision support and planning tools for surgeons. These new capabilities and indications are an exciting step into the future as we continue to revolutionize the field of augmented reality navigation.”

For more information on Augmedics and its augmented reality surgical navigation solutions, please visit the company’s website.

Image / video credit: Augmedics / YouTube

About the author

Sam Sprigg

Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.