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Google Cardboard helps doctor save baby’s life
August 25, 2025
Virtual Reality is spreading all over the world. Content is growing, more andmore headsetsare coming into the picture (hell, you can even get them from cereal boxes now!) and there is even atheme park in the works. But what about the VR applications that actually make a difference? Having fun is important, but that is not the only thing VR is good at. Today we are learning that this newly adopted technology can even save lives… and it already has.
A group of doctors from Miami, Florida found themselves in a tight spot after realizing 4-month old Teegan Lexcen had a misplaced heart (it was too far to the left of the baby’s body). Surgery was the only option, but her age and heart location made it hard for other surgeons to visualize the procedure and move forward safely.
Most doctors would agree that this was “inoperable”, but the Florida-based team didn’t give up so easily. Dr. Burke was handed a little piece of cardboard that changed everything, and saved this baby, who was said to have otherwise passed away by Christmas.
Being able to manipulate this CT scan also allowed Burke to see if making an incision through the sternum would be enough, or if he would need to go directly above where the heart is located. The former ended up being the case.
Google Cardboard articles:
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OK, so VR didn’t exactly save the baby’s life, but it helped the doctor plan things better for a successful surgery. Things would have been more complicated otherwise. In this case,Google Cardboardwas simply a tool. An easy-to-get, inexpensive one with a lot of potential. And since it is powered by a smartphone, pretty much everyone already has this medical tool in their pockets.
These doctors have now become true believers of the VR movement, and have committed to get the word out about them.
So there you have it, guys. Google Cardboard and other VR headsets are not only good for epic battles, awesome flying simulators, interactive content and 3D videos. They can also change the world and open doors to new opportunities. We will now get back to our gaming, but at least we know the same devices we are wasting time with are doing something more important elsewhere.
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