Extended Reality (XR) technologies are transforming medical therapy, education, and communication. Patients can explore a heart in 3D, gaining a deeper understanding of the aortic valve’s function and the appearance of its replacement. Post-stroke exercises are no longer limited to printed materials but are instead immersive experiences in virtual environments, accessible from every angle.
In this field, Aimedis stands as a leading provider. In collaboration with clinics and medical practices globally, the company develops environments that elevate therapy and doctor-patient communication to unprecedented levels. “At Aimedis, our mission is to deliver enhanced and expedited medical care through today’s technological advancements,” states Michael J. Kaldasch, co-founder of Aimedis and a practicing MD. “Virtual solutions are not only a necessity in today’s healthcare landscape but also the key to addressing a multitude of challenges.”
Neuro-rehabilitation: Precision through immersion
Following a stroke or traumatic brain injury, patients often depend on two-dimensional instructions. However, videos or images frequently fall short in fully conveying movement sequences. Aimedis addresses this challenge through immersive 3D visualizations, enabling patients to examine exercises from any perspective and replicate them with precision.
The advantages are evident: Patients comprehend exercises more rapidly, execute them with greater accuracy, and are more motivated to engage in regular training. A multi-site study currently being conducted in several countries is evaluating the efficacy of 3D exercises in neuro-rehabilitation. Preliminary data indicates that this approach significantly enhances therapeutic outcomes.
Surgical preoperative counselling and psychological therapy
In addition, Aimedis is developing numerous applications for virtual worlds in healthcare. One such application is making complex medical concepts easier for patients to understand, for example during pre-surgery consultations. Complex medical procedures, such as an aortic valve replacement or a bypass (CABG), are often difficult for patients to fully comprehend. Leaflets or verbal explanations frequently remain abstract, hard to understand and may cause anxiety. With the help of a virtual 3D model, patients can explore how the procedure will unfold in advance.
Way back in 2022, Aimedis teamed up with Lausanne University Hospital to present a study at the ESC Congress in Barcelona. Patients had a significantly better understanding of the procedure after experiencing the surgery in VR. In collaboration with a large University Hospital, this method is currently being used to inform patients ahead of heart surgery. “This helps patients understand the procedure better and go into surgery feeling safer, with less uncertainty,” Michael summarises. “These are measurable results from real-world applications of our solutions.”
The added value of virtual worlds is evident not only in surgical medicine but also in psychological therapy. The biggest hurdle is often stigma. Many people affected are reluctant to seek help for fear of being exposed. In Aimedis’ virtual spaces, truly anonymous group sessions can be held. This safe, virtual environment lowers inhibitions and encourages open discussion, which makes a crucial difference, particularly in sensitive areas such as addiction treatment.
Spatial voice communication: the invisible decisive factor
A key element in these applications is the consistency of the virtual world, particularly when interacting directly with other people. Spatial audio is the foundation that makes all the difference. In neurological rehabilitation, spatial hearing is crucial for training balance and directional awareness—skills that are often impaired following a stroke. During virtual consultations between doctors or discussions in group sessions, spatial audio ensures that communication flows as naturally as it does in real life, with the speaker’s location clearly identifiable. AI assistants such as AVA (Aimedis Virtual Assistant) also benefit from this technology, as it enables hands-free documentation and real-time interaction.
ODIN Voice powers this interaction. The voice chat solution uses spatial audio to transform a virtual environment into a vibrant, interactive space. Collaboration between patients and healthcare professionals, or exchanges amongst patients themselves, feels natural and authentic, thereby preventing any sense of disconnection or even disorientation.
Furthermore, ODIN Voice offers Aimedis another key advantage: the solution also operates on-premises, meaning data is stored locally and in compliance with the GDPR. Moreover, the system can operate independently of an internet Connection completely in a local network. “In the medical sector, data protection and compliance are non-negotiable,” explains Michael. “Whilst there are many good ideas in healthcare technology, a solution that really works whilst being both secure and scalable is something of an exception. And we’re delighted to have found just that with ODIN Voice.”
The future of medicine: virtualised, efficient, patient-centred
Medicine is on the cusp of a paradigm shift. Augmented Reality (AR) glasses will make XR accessible for everyday use, such as projecting real-time patient data during consultations. AI-driven content enables the rapid creation of high-quality 3D models for patient education and therapy. Aimedis demonstrates how XR can be deployed cost-effectively and at scale—without the need for expensive hardware or extensive training.
“Medicine must embrace virtualization,” Michael asserts. “We are paving this path with numerous clinics and practices worldwide. And ODIN Voice is indispensable for communication.”
Want to explore further ODIN use cases in healthcare?
Contact us directly and we will come back to you with the information you need.
Aimedis – More than just XR in healthcare
Beyond XR, Aimedis offers additional innovative solutions for digital healthcare:
- Personal Health Records: Secure, accessible data management for patients and providers—from medical reports to medication plans.
- Intelligent Scheduling & Triage: AI-supported decision-making for optimized patient routing (e.g. emergency room vs. general practitioner).
- AI Assistant (AVA): Voice-controlled documentation—saving time for physicians while enhancing patient comfort.
- Physician-to-Physician Communication: Secure, direct coordination among providers—for accelerated diagnoses and improved treatment outcomes.