Vascular surgeons in London are experimenting with 3D images of a patient with 2D image overlays manipulated with Kinect controllers. The surgeons can't touch anything; waving their hands in the air to move 3D volumetric models of the brain for neurosurgery helps them directly find what they are looking for without needing to pass instructions along to an assistant.

So do they have to buy an Xbox to use the Kinect controllers?

If so, then the post-PC future of Microsoft may not be mobile phones or tablets; it's Xbox.

Xbox Mini, anyone?

Uses Kinect for Windows. The OR gives blue screen of death a whole new meaning.

Oh, that's not good.

Although Blue Screens went out with Windows XP, right?

Wow, my life could be hanging on... Windows and Kinect? Scary!

In theory, this technology is great for such research:

"This technology is very exciting as it allows me to easily and precisely control the imaging I need during operations. Touchless interaction means there is no compromise in the sterility of the operating field or in patient safety..."