Kinect continues to evolve well beyond its gaming origins. This week, King's College London announced it is participating in a pilot program with Microsoft Research on a way to use Kinect technology in the operating room.

The project involves using a software program that takes the 3D image of a patient’s anatomy. The program then makes several 2D images out of that 3D creation. With the help of Kinect, a surgeon can them manipulate those 2D images of his or her patient via gesture or voice command.

How is this helpful to doctors? Well, if you have seen any of the tons of medical shows on TV, you know that they have to scrub their hands and maintain sterility. Using the computer program powered by the Kinect technology should allow surgeons to help maintain a sterile environment in the operating room. The program could also eliminate the need for so many assistants in the room as well.

At the moment, the test program is being conducted at St Thomas’ Hospital for vascular patients. It is hoped that the Kinect-based technology could be expanded in the future to let doctors manipulate 3D models and even assist in neurosurgery.

Posted: Jun 03, 2012 12:01 am

Source: http://www.neowin.net/news/kinect-used-by-surgeons-in-new-uk-research-project