Apple Vision Pro is getting more wear time in the surgical theater

The Apple Vision Pro has been used in a surgical operation once again, this time, as an assist to a shoulder joint replacement.

Apple has a vision for the Vision Pro headset to be used in healthcare, including helping surgeons perform procedures on patients. In another instance of its use, the Apple Vision Pro has again made an appearance in an operating theater.

Medical software maker eXeX revealed on Tuesday that the Apple Vision Pro was used to organize and manage a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. The procedure replaces the ball and socket joint in the shoulder, switching the positions to help improve muscle function.

The operation is claimed to be a world first for the Apple Vision Pro's use in a procedure of its kind. However, rather than being worn by surgeons working on the patient's body, it was used by a nearby technician to handle the setup, inventory, and procedural guidelines.

The procedure was performed by G. Russel Huffman, MD, MPH of Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, at the AdventHealth Surgery Center Innovation Tower in Orlando, Florida.

In using the Apple Vision Pro, the surgical team was provided with data and visualizations that eXeX says wasn't previously available to them, increasing efficiency.

One challenge that was overcome by the Apple Vision Pro is the use of the Stryker personal protection system, which makes up the protective hood and gown worn by surgery participants. The hood previously limited the use of mixed reality headsets, but the Apple Vision Pro was small enough to fit and still be used without issue.

"This achievement is not just a milestone for eXeX but a leap forward for the entire medical industry," said Dr. Huffman. "Our successful use of the Apple Vision Pro and the eXeX software in such a complex environment underscores our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in surgical procedures and patient care."

While declared a world-first for its procedure type, the Apple Vision Pro has previously been used for medical purposes. In March, a surgical assistant switched from using a HoloLens 2 to the Apple Vision Pro to assist in a spinal operation.