Virtual Reality

Research

As part of Orange County’s only academic medical system, UCI Health urologists integrate research, prevention, and the most advanced treatments to provide truly state-of-the-art care for patients with kidney or ureteral stones.

Our kidney stone experts are currently researching the role of virtual reality aids in surgical planning. Using patient CT images, the surgeons create an interactive virtual reality model that allows them to maneuver through each patient’s anatomy prior to the surgery.

UCI Kidney Stone Center’s award-winning research has already demonstrated that patients get better outcomes with the use of this novel technique. In addition, our group has pioneered better, safer methods for instrument deployment as well as studies ways to use medications to relax the ureter to enhance stone passage or instrument placement.