Applications of Virtual Reality in Radiology

Purpose:
Currently, different imaging methods are used for diseases diagnosing which have their own advantages and disadvantages. Virtual reality (VR) is an innovative technology that uses a computer to create an artificial 3D environment in which the user can receive visual and tactile stimuli using special sensors and interact with them. VR with its unique feature has been used for different radiological procedures such as virtual angiography, cystoscopy and colonoscopy. The aim of this study was to investigate the current trends of VR in radiology.
Methods:
The articles were obtained through searching “virtual reality”, “radiology”, “virtual angiography”, “virtual cystoscopy” and “virtual colonoscopy” from the databases of Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. Then, the results were summarized.
Results:
Applications of virtual reality in radiology
are as following:

Overcoming the limitation of 2D images and appropriately viewing a 3D image from different angles
Performing complex medical procedures and deeper understanding of the complex structure such as tumors and vessels
Improving physician knowledge to early detection and treatment of diseases
Improving interventional radiology procedures lead to patient comfort from less painful process
Increasing the accuracy and efficiency of interventional radiology procedures and reducing errors lead to overall cost reduction

Conclusion:
VR is a promising technology for improving radiological procedures that can be widely used in future.
Keywords: Virtual reality, Radiology, Virtual angiography, Virtual cystoscopy, Virtual colonoscopy