ODESSA, Texas — Technology is transforming the future of medicine, and one doctor at Medical Center Hospital is pioneering the use of augmented reality (AR) in surgery.
Dr. John Dorman, a board-certified neurosurgeon at MCH, recently began integrating the Apple Vision Pro headset into his practice, creating a more efficient approach for complex procedures. After experimenting with the technology, he quickly saw its potential for revolutionizing surgeries.
Technology has long been a fixture in operating rooms, but augmented reality is now enhancing visualization in a way that Dr. Dorman believes will significantly benefit patients. He recently used the Vision Pro headset during a craniotomy, enabling him to overlay CT and MRI scans directly onto his visual field.
“It has a lot of capabilities that would be beneficial for patients, including the ability to overlay the CAT scan or MRI onto your visual field while looking at the patient and performing the surgery,” Dorman said.
In traditional neurosurgery, surgeons must frequently look away from the patient to consult scans, disrupting their focus. With the Vision Pro, Dr. Dorman can keep essential images in view, helping him remain oriented in complex anatomical regions.
“In neurosurgery, you need to be constantly aware of your position in the anatomy,” he said. “To have the Apple Vision Pro overlay the images and provide real-time visualization is very beneficial for patients.”
While Dr. Dorman emphasizes that practice is necessary before using the headset in surgery, he is confident that augmented reality represents the future of medicine. He plans to incorporate it more widely—not only for cranial surgeries but also for spinal procedures and implant placements.
“I see a lot of promise for this technology in spinal fusions and implant surgeries,” he said, adding that augmented reality tools like the Apple Vision Pro are just the beginning. He predicts AR will soon advance beyond neurosurgery, enhancing procedures like tumor removals and other complex operations.
As Dr. Dorman continues to explore augmented reality’s potential, Medical Center Hospital is on the leading edge of surgical innovation in the Permian Basin.