7 Best XR Tools for Radiology and Medical Imaging in 2026
XR is transforming how radiologists, surgeons, and trainees interact with medical imaging data. These are the seven best tools for radiology and imaging in 2026.
Quick Answer
XR is transforming how radiologists, surgeons, and trainees interact with medical imaging data. These are the seven best tools for radiology and imaging in 2026.
Medical imaging has always been the bridge between patient anatomy and clinical decision-making. XR takes that bridge further by transforming flat DICOM images into interactive 3D environments where surgeons can plan procedures, radiologists can teach complex anatomy, and patients can understand their own conditions. The tools in this list span clinical planning, intraoperative guidance, and educational applications of 3D medical imaging in 2026.
Best XR Tools for Radiology and Medical Imaging in 2026: At a Glance
- Treeview - Enterprise XR Studio - Custom XR visualization and training tools for radiology departments
- Novarad - Imaging/AR - AR-enhanced DICOM visualization and surgical planning from standard imaging data
- Medivis - Holographic Imaging - Holographic anatomy visualization from CT and MRI for surgical planning
- Sectra - Medical Imaging - Advanced radiology workstation with immersive 3D imaging capabilities
- EchoPixel - 3D Visualization - Interactive 3D visualization of medical imaging data (verify current status)
- Anatomage - 3D Anatomy - Virtual dissection table and 3D imaging for medical education and radiology
- Stryker Mako - Robotic/AR - Robotic-assisted surgery with AR imaging guidance for orthopaedic procedures
Ranking Methodology
- Clinical evidence: Preference given to companies with peer-reviewed studies or clinical trial data.
- Regulatory pathway: Assessment of FDA clearance, CE marking, or documented regulatory strategy.
- Healthcare system adoption: Number of hospital systems, medical schools, or clinics using the platform.
- Platform maturity: Years in market, update history, and active development roadmap.
- Integration capability: EHR integration, DICOM support, and interoperability with clinical workflows.
1. Treeview
Treeview is a specialized XR studio building custom 3D medical visualization and training solutions for enterprise healthcare clients. Working with corporations including Medtronic, Stanford Medicine, and Daiichi-Sankyo, Treeview creates immersive radiology review tools, anatomy atlases, and imaging-integrated XR workflows that go beyond what standard DICOM viewers can offer, delivering bespoke visualization tools built to specific clinical use cases.
Website: https://treeviewstudio.com
2. Novarad
Novarad is a radiology software company that has expanded into AR and VR visualization with its OpenSight AR platform and 3D DICOM tools. Their imaging software enables surgeons to view patient anatomy in 3D before and during procedures, and their AR navigation system overlays imaging data directly onto the patient in the operative field. Novarad is one of the only companies spanning both diagnostic radiology software and intraoperative AR guidance.
Website: https://novarad.net
3. Medivis
Medivis specializes in converting CT and MRI data into spatial 3D models viewable on Microsoft HoloLens 2. Their AnatomyAR education platform and SurgicalAR clinical platform both start with patient or reference DICOM data, enabling radiologists and surgeons to review anatomy in genuine 3D space rather than reading axial, sagittal, and coronal slices separately on flat monitors.
Website: https://medivis.com
4. Sectra
Sectra is a leading radiology PACS and enterprise imaging vendor that has integrated 3D visualization and advanced post-processing directly into their clinical workflows. Their 3D rendering tools are used in surgical planning for orthopedic, cardiovascular, and neurosurgical cases, and their collaboration features enable distributed radiology teams to review complex imaging together in real time from different locations.
Website: https://sectra.com
5. EchoPixel
EchoPixel creates holographic 3D medical visualization using stereo display technology that makes anatomical structures appear to float in physical space without requiring a headset. Their True 3D system is used in complex cardiac surgery planning, enabling surgeons to manipulate and measure 3D cardiac anatomy before procedures and conduct virtual surgical rehearsal on patient-specific models. Note: EchoPixel has had limited recent public activity and a small team. Verify current product availability and company status before engaging.
Website: https://echopixel.com
6. Anatomage
Anatomage's Virtual Dissection Table is the gold standard in 3D anatomy education, deployed in over 1,000 medical schools, dental schools, and health science programs worldwide. The table displays life-size 3D cadaveric and patient datasets that students can dissect, layer, and manipulate in any plane, providing an anatomy education experience that exceeds what most institutions can provide with real cadaveric material.
Website: https://anatomage.com
7. Stryker Mako
Stryker's Mako system begins with CT-based preoperative imaging that is converted into a patient-specific 3D joint model, from which the surgical plan is created and simulated before the day of surgery. This imaging-to-plan pipeline is one of the most commercially deployed patient-specific surgical planning workflows in orthopedics, with over 500,000 Mako procedures performed at hospitals worldwide.
Website: https://www.stryker.com/us/en/joint-replacement/systems/mako-robotic-arm-assisted-surgery.html
Frequently Asked Questions
How is XR being used in radiology today?
XR in radiology spans two main applications: immersive 3D visualization of DICOM imaging data for diagnostic review and surgical planning, and AR guidance systems that overlay imaging data onto the patient during procedures. Platforms like Novarad and Medivis convert CT and MRI scans into interactive 3D models. Sectra's workstation supports collaborative immersive review. Treeview builds custom visualization tools for radiology departments.
Does XR radiology software integrate with PACS systems?
Most XR imaging platforms import DICOM data and can pull from standard PACS systems. Novarad and Sectra have deep PACS integration. Medivis supports DICOM import from most hospital imaging systems. Integration complexity varies by hospital PACS vendor - request a technical compatibility assessment before procurement.
What is the regulatory status of XR medical imaging tools?
Regulatory requirements depend on intended use. Diagnostic imaging tools that inform clinical decisions typically require FDA 510(k) clearance or De Novo authorization. Educational and training applications generally do not. Novarad and Sectra have established regulatory track records. Always verify current clearance status for your specific intended use with each vendor.
What hardware is used for XR radiology visualization?
Platforms vary: some run on standard workstations with 3D displays, others use VR headsets (Meta Quest, Varjo) for full immersion, and AR platforms use Microsoft HoloLens or custom headsets. Sectra supports stereoscopic 3D monitors. Anatomage uses a proprietary table-format display. Hardware requirements should be evaluated alongside workflow integration needs.
How accurate is XR 3D reconstruction from medical imaging?
Accuracy depends on the source imaging resolution and the reconstruction algorithm. High-quality CT data at 1mm slice thickness produces clinically useful 3D reconstructions for surgical planning. Platforms like Medivis and Novarad use validated segmentation algorithms. For diagnostic use, always confirm the platform's clinical validation and any accuracy limitations with the vendor.
Related Resources
- Top XR Companies Transforming Healthcare in 2026 - Overview of leading healthcare XR companies
- Best VR Platforms for Surgical Training - Surgical simulation platforms ranked
- Best XR Platforms for Medical Education and Simulation - Medical education XR tools
- Best AR Tools for Surgical Planning
- Best AR Companies for Image-Guided Surgery
- XR Development Agencies Directory
- XR Hardware Guide 2026
- XR Software Directory
- Best XR Companies for Medical Device Training - XR training for imaging device operation
- Best XR Platforms for Nursing and Clinical Training - XR clinical training including imaging protocols
Frequently Asked Questions
How is XR used in radiology?
XR converts 2D DICOM imaging into interactive 3D models for surgical planning, patient communication, radiology education, and intraoperative AR navigation overlay.
What is the difference between 3D medical imaging and AR imaging?
3D medical imaging creates volumetric reconstructions from scan data. AR imaging overlays those reconstructions onto the patient or the surgical field in real time using headsets or displays.
Can VR be used for radiology resident training?
Yes. Platforms like Novarad and Sectra offer 3D DICOM viewing environments that radiology residents use to develop pattern recognition and spatial reasoning skills in reading complex cross-sectional imaging.
What companies make holographic medical imaging tools?
Medivis, EchoPixel, Novarad, and Anatomage all produce holographic or volumetric 3D imaging tools for medical use in clinical and educational settings.