Enhancing Obstetric Ultrasonography Training with Augmented Reality: A HoloLens-Based Prenatal Ultrasound Simulator Using Real Fetal Volume

Sonography in obstetrics plays a vital role in assessing fetal development and managing maternal-fetal health. Augmented Reality (AR) technologies enhance ultrasound training by providing immersive, interactive environments that simulate real-life scanning experiences. In this study, we introduce a fully virtual prenatal ultrasound simulator developed on Microsoft HoloLens 2 using Unity3-D and MRTK3(Mixed Reality ToolKit), leveraging real fetal DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine)datasets and advanced volume rendering techniques. Our simulator enables realistic visualization and manipulation of fetal anatomy without reliance on physical mannequins or external trackers. A pilot study involving 12 participants, including professional ultrasonographers and medical trainees, was conducted to evaluate the system’s usability, realism, and educational potential. While the limited sample size is acknowledged, the results indicate high user acceptance and satisfaction, particularly in the quality of ultrasound output. Future work will aim to expand participant numbers and introduce additional features such as force feedback for improved tactile realism. This study highlights the potential of AR-based simulation to advance obstetric ultrasound training, especially in resource-constrained environments.