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Real-time ultrasound-guided thoracentesis simulation using an optical see-through head-mounted display: a
Shotaro Okachi1,2,3, Toshinori Matsui1,2, Manami Sakurai2
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
Aim:
This study aimed to examine the feasibility and potential benefits of an optical see-through head-mounted display (OST-HMD) during real-time ultrasound-guided thoracentesis simulations.
Material And Methods:
Six physicians performed a thoracentesis simulation using an OST-HMD and a wireless image transmission system. The time required, puncture needle visibility, pleural fluid collection success rate, and head movement during the procedure using a smart glass equipped with an inertial measurement unit were all recorded and compared with and without the HMD.
Results:
Study participants successfully extracted effusions in all procedures. The use of OST-HMD did not significantly affect the time of the procedure, but notably decreased the horizontal and vertical head movements during the procedure.
Conclusions:
The study demonstrated the feasibility of using an OST-HMD in a simulated real-time ultrasound-guided thoracentesis procedure and showed the potential of HMD in thoracentesis to improve ergonomics and accuracy. Further research is necessary to confirm these findings.
