Learning how to perform ultrasound-guided interventions with and without augmented reality visualization: a...

Area of Science:

• Medical imaging
• Interventional procedures
• Educational technology

Background:

• Augmented reality (AR) overlays digital images onto the real world, showing potential for image-guided interventions.
• Standard ultrasound (sUS) is a common tool for guiding interventions, but can have a learning curve for new operators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the learning experience and performance of untrained operators using AR ultrasound (AR US) versus standard ultrasound (sUS) for soft tissue lesion puncture.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of AR US as a training tool for image-guided biopsies.

Main Methods:

• Forty-four medical students with basic US training but no AR US experience performed simulated US-guided biopsies.
• Participants used both sUS and AR US, with the initial modality randomized.
• Biopsy time and success rate were recorded, and participants completed questionnaires on their experience and skills.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in time to puncture was observed between AR US and sUS (p = 0.16).
• Gender did not significantly impact performance in either modality (p = 0.22 and p = 0.50).
• 79.5% of participants found AR US more enjoyable, and it facilitated a more favorable learning curve.

Conclusions:

• AR US is a preferred and more enjoyable method for learning soft tissue biopsies among novice operators.
• While AR US did not improve speed, it enhanced the learning experience and curve for US-guided biopsies.
• Performance in US-guided biopsies was comparable between standard and augmented reality techniques.