title: Surgical Vision: Google Glass and Surgery.
abstract: Google Glass is, in essence, a smartphone in the form of a pair of spectacles. It has a display system, a bone conduction "speaker," video camera, and connectivity via WiFi or Bluetooth technologies. It can also be controlled by voice command. Seizing Google Glass' capabilities as windows of opportunity, surgeons have been the first group of doctors trying to incorporate the technology into their daily practices. Experiences from different groups have demonstrated Google Glass' potential in improving perioperative care, intraoperative communication and documentation, surgical outcome as well as surgical training. On the other hand, the device has technical limitations, notably suboptimal image qualities and a short battery life. Its operational functions also bring forth concerns on the protection of patient privacy. Nonetheless, the technological advances that this device embodies hold promises in surgical innovations. Further studies are required, and surgeons should explore, investigate, and embrace similar technologies with keen and informed anticipation.
authors.affiliation: The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Johnny Yau Cheung
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.affiliation: The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Lok Yee
authors.initials: LY
authors.lastname: Tsui
authors.affiliation: The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Keith Siu Kay
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Yeung
authors.affiliation: The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Stefanie Wai Ying
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Yip
authors.affiliation: The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong gilberto@hku.hk.
authors.forename: Gilberto Ka Kit
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Leung
mesh_terms: D005139:Eyeglasses; D006801:Humans; D000068997:Smartphone; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*
keywords: image-guided surgery; orthopedic surgery; pediatric surgery; surgical education