In Ukraine, over 200 surgical procedures have already been performed using Extra Vision augmented reality (AR) glasses, developed by doctors in Kharkiv, the Ministry of Health reports.
‘Ukrainian surgeons have performed more than 200 operations using AR glasses. The technology, which transforms CT and MRI scans into detailed three-dimensional models of a patient’s organs, was created by doctors from Kharkiv. Surgeons can view these models through AR glasses. This medical startup is called Extra Vision, founded by Vladyslav Kalyuzhka, a neurosurgeon at the Kharkiv Regional Clinical Hospital,’ the report states.
It is noted that the first prototype of the technology was created by cardiologist Mykyta Markevych, a co-founder of the project. The first 50 surgeries using AR glasses were performed at the Kharkiv Regional Clinical Hospital — procedures on the brain and spinal cord for various conditions, including tumors, vascular issues, injuries, and congenital defects.
After dozens of successful operations, the doctors decided to establish a startup, bringing in IT specialists, including Unity developers, AI engineers, and designers.
The Extra Vision technology works as follows: CT or MRI data are used to create a 3D model. Artificial intelligence algorithms automatically isolate anatomical and pathological structures — from bones and vessels to tumors and hematomas. The finished model is uploaded to a cloud environment and synchronized with the AR glasses.
The surgeon sees the model in real space: the 3D model is overlaid on the patient’s body, sensors track the surgeon’s instruments and hands, and AI helps determine the optimal access to the pathology while avoiding critical structures.
The technology allows the surgeon to see the skull as if in cross-section even before the first scalpel movement. This significantly improves surgical accuracy and reduces risks.
The technology is currently used in municipal, state, and private medical facilities in Kharkiv and Kyiv.
The team is now testing the technology in orthopedics and traumatology, oncology and mammology, hepatobiliary surgery, and maxillofacial surgery.
