Despite facing commercial challenges, the Apple Vision Pro is being tested across various fields, including medicine, for its potential benefits.

Since its public release in February, Horgan and his team at UC San Diego have successfully conducted over 20 minimally invasive surgeries using the Apple headset.

The first surgery performed with the Apple Vision Pro took place in September for a paraesophageal hernia, and it received positive feedback from the surgical team.

UC San Diego's minimally invasive department has effectively utilized the headset for various procedures, such as acid-reflux and obesity surgeries.

Santiago Horgan claims the headset enhances surgical effectiveness and reduces the risk of injury, potentially transforming access to surgical technology.

Christopher Longhurst highlighted that the headset's price of $3,499 is relatively affordable compared to traditional medical equipment, making it appealing for smaller hospitals.

Traditional laparoscopic surgeries often require surgeons to divert their attention between multiple monitors, leading to discomfort and coordination challenges.

The Apple Vision Pro allows surgeons to view surgical areas and vital signs without looking away, which could alleviate some of these issues.

Miguel Burch from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center believes the Apple Vision Pro's adaptability makes it a valuable tool for enhancing surgical practices.

Longhurst is exploring the headset's capability for creating 3D radiology imaging, with plans for future research publications.

Concerns about patient privacy and security with network-connected devices have been raised, highlighting the need for vigilance in their use.

Other companies, such as Augmedics and Vuzix, are developing competing surgical visualization systems that offer similar advantages.