Augmented reality in anesthesia, pain medicine and critical care: a narrative review

Augmented reality (AR) is the integration of computer-generated information with the user's environment in real time. AR is used in many industries, including healthcare, where it has gained significant popularity. Recent strides in hardware and software engineering have reduced the cost of AR, while significantly improving the experience for users and developers. One of the first applications of AR technology in perioperative medicine has been in the identification of anatomical structures for regional blocks and peripheral or central vascular access. AR has also been implemented in pediatric care to reduce periprocedural anxiety. In this narrative review, we summarize the current role of AR in anesthesiology, pain medicine, and critical care.