In this session, military veterans Steve DeLellis and Jerry Heneghan will provide details on an Augmented Reality Forward Surgical Care research project and training evaluation for the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. Telemedicine is routinely used to extend specialized medical expertise to remote military environments. AR smart glasses represent a leap-forward, lightweight, wearable solution for bidirectional voice and video that is interactive and optimized for low bandwidth environments. AR smart glasses enable drawing on the central visual axis of the user’s head’s up display (HUD). Graphics and text appear overlying intended incision sites and anatomic patient structures to guide a non-surgeon step by step through a procedure. This telestration capability adds to the user’s perception that a mentor is right there with them, guiding each step of the procedure. Improved access to care, safety, and decreased treatment costs are anticipated with this capability.

Takeaway

Participants will gain an understanding of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), a tele-mentored surgical and training initiative using Augmented and Mixed Reality (AR/MR) and potential opportunities to collaborate.

Intended Audience

This presentation would be valuable to participants with a desire to learn more about the Department of Defense (DOD), Special Operations Forces (SOF), current medical and surgical initiatives for operational medicine and training utilizing Augmented and Mixed Reality, as well as potential opportunities to collaborate with the DOD.