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Virtual reality as an adjunct to anesthesia in the operating room
Adeel Faruki1, Thy Nguyen2, Samantha Proeschel2
1Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA. afaruki@bidmc.harvard.edu.
Trials
|December 29, 2019
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) may reduce anesthetic needs and improve patient experience during upper extremity surgery. This study investigates VR
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology and Pain Management
- Medical Technology
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly used in healthcare, showing promise in reducing pain and anxiety during procedures.
- Standard care for upper extremity surgery involves regional anesthesia and propofol sedation, carrying risks like over-sedation and respiratory compromise.
- VR offers a potential non-pharmacologic adjunct to anesthesia, aiming to enhance patient relaxation and reduce anesthetic requirements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of intraoperative virtual reality (VR) immersion in promoting patient relaxation during upper extremity surgery.
- To determine if VR reduces the need for intraoperative anesthetic medications, specifically propofol.
- To assess the impact of VR on the overall perioperative patient experience, including pain, satisfaction, and functional outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A single-center, randomized controlled trial involving 40 adult patients undergoing upper extremity orthopedic surgery.
- Patients were randomized to either intraoperative VR immersion (selecting virtual environments) or usual care, following a peripheral nerve block.
- The primary outcome was the difference in intraoperative propofol dose; secondary outcomes included postoperative pain, satisfaction, and recovery metrics.
Main Results:
- Data on intraoperative propofol dosage, postoperative pain scores, and patient satisfaction were collected and analyzed.
- Length of stay in the postanesthesia care unit and postoperative functional outcomes were also assessed.
- Statistical analysis compared the VR immersion group against the usual care control group.
Conclusions:
- The study aims to determine if VR can reduce intraoperative anesthetic requirements and improve patient experience in upper extremity surgery.
- Positive findings would support VR as a non-pharmacologic intervention to mitigate risks associated with deep sedation.
- This could lead to a practice shift towards integrating VR for enhanced perioperative care and patient satisfaction.
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