Clinical Application of an Augmented Reality Navigation System for Transforaminal Epidural Injection: A Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Medical Technology
• Interventional Pain Management
• Surgical Navigation

Background:

• Lumbosacral transforaminal epidural injections are common for radiculopathy.
• Accurate needle placement is crucial but challenging, requiring avoidance of critical structures.
• Augmented reality (AR) navigation systems offer potential for enhanced precision in medical procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficiency and safety of an AR navigation system for lumbosacral transforaminal epidural injections.
• To compare procedural time and radiation exposure between AR-guided and traditional C-arm guided injections.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 28 patients was conducted.
• Patients were divided into a control group (C-arm guided) and an AR navigation group (AR-NAVI).
• The AR-NAVI group utilized a real-time tracking system displayed on an AR head-mounted device.

Main Results:

• The AR-NAVI group showed significantly reduced procedural times for needle entry (58.57 ± 33.31 vs. 124.91 ± 41.14 seconds, p < 0.001).
• C-arm usage, representing radiation exposure, was also significantly lower in the AR-NAVI group (3.79 ± 1.97 vs. 8.86 ± 3.94, p < 0.001).
• All procedures were completed successfully without complications in both groups.

Conclusions:

• AR navigation systems significantly enhance procedural efficiency and safety.
• Reduced procedure time and radiation exposure highlight the benefits of AR in interventional pain procedures.
• AR navigation presents a promising advancement for future medical procedure enhancements and validation.