In a recent survey, nine resident and attending plastic surgeons share their pluses and minuses regarding the use of wearable technology Google Glass in the operating room.

These surgeons completed the survey in answer to a request by Jeremy C. Sinkin, MD, from Georgetown University and his colleagues, as part of their research.

After a brief introduction to the Google Glass technology, the surgeons used it during various cosmetic cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures. The survey encompassed their experience with Google Glass, including their comfort level, its ease of use, and the quality of images that they obtained via the technology.

Results from the survey were published recently in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, according to a media release from Wolters Kluwer Health.

On a five-point scale, the surgeons rated Google Glass’ comfort and overall satisfaction “high” and the ability to capture images and video using voice-activated control “good” (three out of five points). Photos and video quality received nearly four out of five points.

The release notes, however, that compared to voice control, the surgeons had more problems capturing pictures or videos using Google Glass’ “wink” feature. They also experienced difficulty with reviewing images during surgery.

In addition, three surgeons state in the survey that they found Google Glass to be distracting. At times, they share, they had to look away from the surgical field or turn their head into awkward positions in order to take photos.

“Despite some identified weaknesses, Google Glass is a unique technology with a promising plastic surgical application in the operating room,” states Sinkin in the release.

[Source(s): Wolters Kluwer Health, Science Daily]