Amy Avakian
Biography
Dr. Amy Avakian is a medical doctor and transitional year resident with a strong background in radiology, artificial intelligence, and clinical research. She is the founder of the Radiology, AI, and Deep Learning (R.A.D.) Collective, which focuses on integrating emerging technologies in diagnostic radiology. Dr. Avakian also serves as Clinical Research Director at Healthy Mind VR, contributing to innovations in immersive healthcare applications. She holds a Doctor of Medicine from Ross University School of Medicine and a BSc in Biochemistry from California State University, Los Angeles. With experience in virtual reality, mental health, and medical education, she is committed to advancing interdisciplinary approaches in modern medicine.
Research Interest
She is the founder of a collaborative initiative focused on radiology, artificial intelligence, and creative technology, connecting students and physicians through shared research and mentorship.
Abstract
A Comprehensive Review of FDA-Cleared Virtual Reality Technologies in Radiology
Virtual reality is beginning to take shape as a clinical tool in radiology, but only a small number of platforms have received FDA clearance. This review focuses on seven VR devices that are already FDA-approved and in use across fields like diagnostic imaging, surgical planning, and interventional radiology. Each device is examined based on its regulatory status, clinical application, and integration with existing imaging workflows.
All seven platforms convert DICOM data into immersive 3D environments, offering new ways to interact with CT and MRI scans. Some are used for preoperative planning, others for intraoperative guidance or multidisciplinary case review. While most are cleared as Class II medical devices, their clinical impact varies. Current literature suggests benefits in spatial understanding, user engagement, and procedural preparation, though large-scale validation is still limited.
Rather than speculate on future applications, this review focuses on what?s already in use?tools that have cleared regulatory hurdles and entered real clinical spaces. These systems mark a shift toward more visual, hands-on approaches to imaging, and offer early evidence of how immersive technology may change the way radiologists see, interpret, and communicate complex anatomy.
