How dangerous is the coronavirus really for the lungs? This is now shown in an impressive virtual reality video from George Washington University Hospital, which shows images of an infected lung from the inside.
Dhe first symptoms of coronavirus (Covid-19) are now familiar to most people. In addition to fever, breathing difficulties and possible loss of sense of taste and smell, coughing is right at the top of the list. But how much of an impact can the virus really have on the lungs? Physician Keith Mortman from George Washington University Hospital (Washington, D.C.) has now demonstrated this using a VR video of a coronavirus patient.
Coronavirus: lungs very badly affected
The hospital's video shows the spread of the coronavirus (yellow areas) in the lungs of an infected person. The patient was in his late 50s and came to hospital with a fever and cough, but the disease spread so quickly that he had to be put on a ventilator a short time later. It is now known that Covid-19 can cause pneumonia. Keith Mortman wants to draw attention to the risk with this 3D model from computer tomography, which was created in collaboration with the Surgical Theatre's education team. He hopes that it will also reach people who have so far ignored the pandemic or felt unaffected.
VR shows the hidden
VR once again shows its strengths here: The technology provides insight into something that would otherwise remain hidden. When a doctor or scientist explains something to the public in their usual technical jargon, it is often very difficult to understand. With images like these, everyone can see what is happening inside people. Mortman also explains in the video that they use VR to plan surgical procedures, but also to educate patients. When the first patient with Covid-19 came to their hospital, they immediately recorded these images to see what this virus destroys in the lungs.
Source: computerbild / Youtube
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