In the past two years, virtual reality (VR) has experienced a significant surge, marking a turning point for this emerging technology. As "VR + " solutions begin to emerge in the market, various industries are starting to integrate VR into their operations. From startups in both domestic and international markets to established players, the application of VR is expanding rapidly. Beyond entertainment sectors like VR games and movies, the medical field is also witnessing growing interest. According to a report by Goldman Sachs, the global VR market is expected to reach $80 billion by 2025, with the healthcare sector accounting for approximately $5.1 billion and around 3.2 million users.
From an application standpoint, VR is being used in multiple areas of medicine, including clinical surgery, medical education, telemedicine, psychological rehabilitation, physical therapy, pain management, and personalized fitness. It not only helps reduce costs for medical training but also improves patient outcomes by providing immersive experiences that aid in recovery and pain relief.
Currently, most VR medical teams are startup companies, often operating at early funding stages such as angel or seed rounds. However, some have managed to attract substantial investment. For example, the Swiss startup MindMaze raised $108.5 million in 2012, showcasing the potential of the sector. While many foreign companies have made significant progress, China's VR medical industry is still in its early stages due to technical limitations and fewer specialized teams.
Compared to Western countries, Europe and the United States have taken the lead in VR medical development. This is largely due to earlier adoption and more mature infrastructure. In contrast, China’s VR medical scene is still evolving, with limited numbers of companies and less advanced applications. Despite these challenges, domestic universities, hospitals, and enterprises are actively pushing forward, achieving notable breakthroughs.
While the future of VR in healthcare looks promising, several challenges remain. These include immature hardware platforms, inaccurate algorithms, and difficulties in user interaction. Additionally, a lack of understanding among patients and medical professionals can hinder widespread adoption. To realize the full potential of VR in medicine, collaboration between the market, technology, capital, and healthcare is essential.
**Overseas Examples:**
1. **Firsthand Technology (Seattle)**
Founded in 1995, Firsthand Technology specializes in VR-based pain management. Their pioneering application, *SnowWorld*, was one of the first VR tools used for burn patient care, helping them escape pain through immersive environments. They later spun off DeepStream VR to focus on analgesic technologies.
2. **Virtual Reality Medical Center (USA)**
Active since 2001, this company has developed clinically certified VR products, such as *Airport and Flight VR* and *Fear of Heights VR*, aimed at treating anxiety and phobias.
3. **ImmersiveTouch (Illinois)**
Established in 2005, ImmersiveTouch offers software that allows surgeons to practice procedures in a virtual environment, improving surgical precision.
4. **VirtaMed (Switzerland)**
Founded in 2007, VirtaMed develops highly realistic surgical simulators for medical training, enhancing the skills of future doctors.
5. **Surgical Theater (USA)**
Launched in 2010, Surgical Theater created a preoperative planning platform using VR, enabling neurosurgeons to rehearse complex surgeries. The company received investments from Chuangrui Fund and HTC Vive.
6. **Regroup Therapy (USA)**
Founded in 2011, Regroup Therapy provides virtual mental health services, aiming to address the shortage of mental health professionals across the U.S.
7. **MindMaze (Switzerland)**
A major player in VR healthcare, MindMaze raised $108.5 million and acquired Gait Up in 2017 to enhance motion tracking in VR therapy. Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio also invested in the company.
8. **Applied VR (USA)**
Founded in 2015, Applied VR focuses on creating VR experiences that help patients manage fear and pain, offering therapeutic alternatives to traditional treatments.
9. **Vicarious Surgical (Massachusetts)**
This startup develops VR software for minimally invasive surgery, aiming to improve precision and reduce recovery times.
10. **Revinax (France)**
Revinax acquired Surgevry and partners with major medical device companies like Stryker and Boston Scientific to develop VR-assisted surgical tools.
11. **Osso VR (Boston)**
Launched in 2016, Osso VR creates VR surgical simulation platforms with advanced hand-tracking features, supporting medical education and training.
12. **Psious (Spain)**
Psious develops VR exposure therapy tools for mental health professionals, allowing them to create safe and controlled environments for treating phobias and anxiety disorders.
13. **Touch Surgery (London)**
Touch Surgery offers VR-based surgical simulations, enabling patients and medical professionals to visualize and understand complex procedures.
14. **Vivid Vision (San Francisco)**
Vivid Vision uses VR to treat eye conditions like amblyopia and strabismus, with over 88 clinics worldwide adopting their system.
**Domestic Examples:**
1. **Medical Microphone (China)**
Originally part of Crystal Stone Medical, Medical Microphone began focusing on VR medical education in 2009. They developed *Surgeek*, a VR surgical education platform that won awards at the HTC Vive competition.
2. **Beijing Touch Magic Technology Co., Ltd.**
This high-tech company specializes in VR visualization for medical imaging and has partnered with top hospitals in China to improve diagnostic accuracy.
3. **Shanghai Leading Digital Technology Co., Ltd.**
Established in 2016, the company develops VR-assisted medical systems, collaborating with leading hospitals to create innovative solutions for diagnosis and treatment.
As VR continues to evolve, its integration into healthcare is expected to bring transformative changes, improving patient care, reducing costs, and enhancing medical training. With ongoing advancements in technology and increased investment, the future of VR in medicine is bright and full of potential.
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