Learning effectiveness of using augmented reality technology in central venous access procedure: an experiment using...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Interventional Radiology
• Medical Simulation

Background:

• Central venous access is a common but challenging procedure.
• Ultrasound (US) guidance improves safety and efficacy.
• Augmented reality (AR) offers potential for enhanced visualization and training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of AR-guided training compared to US-guided training for central venous catheterization.
• To assess if AR enhances anatomical understanding and procedural confidence.
• To determine if AR improves objective measures like needle placement and procedure time.

Main Methods:

• Ten radiologists trained on a central venous catheterization phantom using US-only, AR-only, and combined US+AR guidance.
• Procedures involved simulated internal jugular vein (IJV) and subclavian vein (SCV) access.
• Subjective (understanding, confidence) and objective (needle position, time) outcomes were recorded.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found for IJV access among the methods.
• AR-only and US+AR methods significantly improved subjective and objective evaluations for SCV access.
• AR-only reduced SCV needle placement time, but objective outcomes did not improve over US-only.

Conclusions:

• Combining AR with US guidance enhances training for central venous access, particularly for challenging sites like the SCV.
• AR technology-assisted training may be particularly beneficial for complex procedures.
• While AR-only can save time, the combination with US does not offer additional time savings.