Technique Articles

Use of Augmented Reality to Assist Teaching for Future Perfusionists in Extracorporeal Technology

^* Department of Clinical Engineering, Faculty of Medical Engineering, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Mie, Japan
^† Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Mie University School of Medicine, Mie, Japan; and
^‡ Department of Clinical Engineering, Mie University Hospital, Mie, Japan

Address correspondence to: Yasuharu Yamada, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Engineering, Faculty of Medical Engineering, Suzuka University of Medical Science, 1001-1 Kishioka-cho, Suzuka 501-0293, Japan. E-mail: yamada@suzuka-u.ac.jp

Received: 17 July 2019
Accepted: 7 October 2019

Abstract

The aim of this study was to foster the better perfusion education when providing extracorporeal circulation (ECC) technology for future perfusionists. For this purpose, we have developed an augmented reality (AR) program for ECC students. Currently, the cost of equipment and its simulator is high. Furthermore, it is desirable for ECC students to practice at any time. AR describes user experiences that add 2D (plane detection) or 3D elements to the live view from a device’s camera in a way that makes those elements appear to inhabit the real world. We can use these technologies to create AR experiences using the back camera of a smartphone or tablet. We can also build our own instrument with custom visualization and data analysis. Although AR technology may not be new, its potential in ECC student education is just beginning to be explored. Unlike other computing technologies, AR interfaces offer seamless interaction between the real and virtual worlds, a tangible interface metaphor, and a means for transitioning between real and virtual worlds. Here, we have shown our experiences of cost-effective AR technology for future perfusionists.