Hypnosis associated with 3D immersive virtual reality technology during bronchoscopy under local anesthesia

Area of Science:

• Medical procedures
• Anesthesiology
• Psychological interventions

Background:

• Flexible bronchoscopy under local anesthesia often causes patient anxiety.
• Non-pharmacological methods like music and hypnosis are used for anxiety reduction.
• Virtual reality hypnosis (VRH) offers a novel approach using simulated environments for hypnotic suggestion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the anxiety-reducing effect of VRH during bronchoscopy.
• To assess patient, physician, and nurse satisfaction with VRH.
• To explore the feasibility of implementing VRH in clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• VRH was offered to anxious patients undergoing flexible bronchoscopy.
• Procedures were performed under local anesthesia (5% lidocaine spray) without sedation.
• Standardized satisfaction forms were completed by patients, physicians, and nurses post-procedure.

Main Results:

• Twenty patients with pre-procedure anxiety were included (16 women/4 men, median age 65).
• Patient anxiety levels decreased significantly from a median of 9/10 to 4/10.
• VRH achieved a median satisfaction rate of 10/10, with all patients willing to use it again.

Conclusions:

• VRH is a valuable tool for reducing anxiety during bronchoscopy.
• The technique was easily integrated into routine clinical practice.
• This preliminary study highlights VRH's potential for improving patient experience in endoscopic procedures.