Virtual Reality for Pre-Procedural Planning of Interventional Pain Procedures: A Real-World Application Case Series

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Medical Simulation
• Extended Reality (XR)

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive, patient-specific simulations for pre-procedural planning.
• Its application in pain management interventions like peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) and nerve blocks is underexplored.
• This case series investigates VR's role in planning complex chronic pain interventions.

Observation:

• Six patients with challenging anatomies underwent VR-assisted pre-procedural planning.
• Patient-specific 3D models were created from imaging data for surgical review in VR.
• Procedures were performed using conventional imaging guidance after VR planning.

Findings:

• VR improved visualization of complex anatomies and optimized procedural trajectories in all cases.
• It enabled precise placement of PNS leads or needles in patients with complex anatomy, reducing pain.
• VR facilitated alternative approaches for failed pain procedures and potentially prevented patient harm.

Implications:

• VR enhances spatial awareness, procedural accuracy, and confidence in complex pain interventions.
• This technology shows potential for improving outcomes in challenging chronic pain cases.
• Further research is needed to assess VR's broader clinical utility and cost-effectiveness in pain management.