AR Needle Guide
AR Needle Guide is an augmented reality software for CT-guided procedures, designed for medical researchers to align virtual tools with physical space on iOS devices.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
The app removes the need for manual, contact-based angle measurement during biopsy procedures by providing real-time AR guidance anchored to CT scanner laser apertures.
For Medical professionals and researchers conducting studies on image-guided procedures and AR/MR technology.
What does it look like?
Key features
Establishes a spatial anchor using laser apertures on CT scanners to align virtual tools with physical space.
Displays a movable, tiltable protractor in the CT scan plane to assist in determining puncture positions.
Uses the device camera to recognize specific biopsy needles and display tilt and roll angles in real time.
How much does it cost?
The application is provided as a free research tool with no commercial monetization or in-app purchases.
Velocity
Dormant developmentplatform expansionShow more...
With no updates in 944 days, the app has reached a zombie state of development. The latest release focused on technical infrastructure updates, specifically migrating to AR Foundation 5 and the XR Interaction Toolkit. There has been no evidence of ongoing maintenance or feature development for over two and a half years.
Who built it?
Kazufumi Suzuki
3 apps tracked · Medical
Vision Detector
miniAssistantUser Sentiment
What do users think recently?
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
Not enough recent reviews to extract reliable themes yet.
Read the full review analysisCompetition
Competitive landscape for AR Needle Guide
How's the Medical market?
AR Needle Guide functions as a specialized research utility with no commercial chart presence. Its positioning relies on technical integration with CT hardware rather than mass-market adoption.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
Unlock the deeper market read.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for AR Needle Guide
Where is it heading?
The market for AR-assisted medical guidance is shifting toward integrated, vendor-supported solutions rather than standalone research tools. AR Needle Guide remains exposed due to its stagnant development, which will likely lead to obsolescence as iOS hardware and AR frameworks evolve.
- The 945-day gap since the last update indicates the project is in maintenance mode, which erodes trust for clinical users.
The SWOT
- Technical authority in image-guided procedures established through research-based positioning
- Expansion into broader clinical training modules could increase utility beyond research settings
Next best moves
Audit compatibility with latest iOS versions because the app has been silent for 31 months → ensure core AR functionality remains stable
The counter-intuitive read
The app's primary value is as a proof-of-concept for AR in clinical settings…
Read the full takeBottom line
AR Needle Guide serves as a niche research tool, but the lack of updates since early 2024 limits its reliability for clinical use. Maintaining the existing codebase is the only viable path until the developer commits to a new feature cycle.
Unlock 1 critical friction, 1 market threat and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeSources
- [1] App Store
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