Virtual reality to help guide and train ear surgeons

A new Virtual Reality Surgical Simulation technology, developed by Professor Stephen O’Leary, William Gibson Chair of Otolaryngology, and his team of multidisciplinary biomedical scientists and engineers, is now being trialled at the Eye and Ear Hospital.

The device combines simulation technology with imaging data from a CT scan to create a digital representation of the ear.

This provides a safe context for ear surgeons to undertake training, particularly when learning to insert cochlear implants for deaf patients.

So far, the technology has been adopted by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Cochlear Limited and several international hospitals. It is set to be expanded to dental science and other areas of medicine.