Google Glass Finds Its Way to the Operating Room

The history books are quickly filling up with Google Glass firsts — everything from skydives, showers and, now, surgeries.

You read that right — Dr. Rafael Grossman, also a TEDx speaker and Google Glass Explorer, has used the wearable device to live-stream a surgery. The operation involved endoscopically inserting a feeding tube for a patient and, though he captured footage of the procedure, Grossman said he kept the patient's confidentiality intact.

In a post on his website entitled "OK Glass: Hand Me the Scalpel, Please," Grossman wrote:

"Not only I obtained informed consent about what we were going to attempt (and documented it), but most importantly, made sure that no recording or transmission of any identifying information was done."

Recorded from Grossman's point of view, the surgical footage (now demarcated as "private" on YouTube) was transmitted to a Google hangout. Grossman said that his goal with the procedure was to show how the device and its platform could be used as intuitive, inexpensive tools to aid in surgical maneuvering and mentoring.

His conclusion? "Google Glass streaming during live surgery by a Glass Explorer surgeon is possible."

Google Glass cost $1,500 when the developer version was released earlier this year; the consumer version is expected to cost less. Watch the video above to learn more, and let us know what you think about the latest Glass endeavor in the comments below.

BONUS: A Look at Google Glass

1. Google Glass Camera

   This is Google Glasse's unblinking eye.

   

2. Google Glass Frame

   They may not look like it, but Google Glass is quite comfortable.

   

3. Google Glass Front

   They sit gently on your nose

   

4. Google Glass Lightweight

   And never feel unbalanced.

   

5. Google Glass No Lens

   Though it's odd to wear something like this without lenses.

   

6. Google Glass Closeup

   Even up close, the workmanship is superb.

   

7. Google Glass Bottom

   Few seams to look at.

   

8. Google Glass Prism

   Look in this prism to see your screen.

   

9. Google Glass Battery

   This is where you'll find the battery and bone-conduction audio.

   

10. Google Glass Port

    Just one port on Google Glass and it's for charging.

    

11. Google Glass Frame View

    These babies sit comfortably on your nose.

    

12. Wearing Google Glass

    This is me, wearing Google Glass.

    

Image courtesy of YouTube, TEDxTalks