While virtual reality (VR) awaits wider adoption in the consumer space, the healthcare industry is blazing medical and business trails with the technology. eMarketer’s Sean Creamer spoke with Dr. Robert Louis, director of skull base and pituitary surgery at Hoag Neurosciences Institute, about how VR improves surgical outcomes and boosts patient retention. Dr. Louis was interviewed as part of eMarketer’s April report, "Virtual Reality Beyond Gaming: Solving Business Problems in Industries."

Using 3-D models, I can rehearse and practice the surgery in the VR space. It allows me to anticipate tumor complications and lower the likelihood of surprises. I can also show the patient exactly what's going on.