Augmented reality promises astronauts instant medical knowhow

A new augmented reality device developed by ESA could help astronauts diagnose medical problems or perform surgery in a completely autonomous way. Will be as easy as putting on a visor and follow the instructions in 3D.

For now, CAMDASS (Computer Assisted Medical Diagnosis and Surgery System ) only guides the user through the implementation of ultrasound examinations, but is a technology that in principle could apply to any medical procedure.

It has been decided to start with ultrasound examinations because they are a versatile and effective diagnostic tool, and because in the International Space Station already have the equipment needed to run them.

The astronauts who embark on future missions of exploration of the solar system will have to learn to take care of themselves. As they move away from our planet, conversations with experts on the ground will entail several minutes of delay, or will be blocked entirely.

"Although the crews have some medical knowledge, can not pretend that the astronauts know and stay trained in all medical procedures that could eventually be needed," said Arnaud Runge, a biomedical engineer who oversees the project for ESA.

The indications of CAMDASS help the user to place and move correctly the ultrasound transducer to examine the area of interest

The prototype has undergone a series of usability tests at the University Hospital Saint-Pierre in Brussels, Belgium, with medical students and nursing and paramedical staff and the Belgian Red Cross.

During these tests, users with no experience were able to perform relatively difficult procedures without outside help, the transducer operating properly.

The prototype has been developed for ESA by a consortium headed by Space Applications Services NV in Belgium, with support from the Technical University of Munich and the German Center for Research on Cancer, DKFZ, with funding from the ESA's Program for the Development of Basic Technology.