Use of smart glasses imaging for interscalene brachial plexus block: a randomised clinical trial

Smart glasses can provide real-time ultrasonographic images without additional head-eye movement. We investigated whether smart glasses combined with ultrasonography could improve interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB) procedural efficiency.

This prospective, randomised trial enrolled 151 patients undergoing upper limb surgery requiring interscalene brachial plexus block. Four anaesthesiologists received standardised training in smart glasses-assisted (smart glasses group) or conventional (control group) ultrasound guidance. The primary outcome was total procedure time.

Five participants were excluded, and 146 participants were included in the analysis. The total puncture time was shorter in the smart glasses group compared with the control group (124.0 [98.0-155.5 ] s vs 153.0 [123.0-197.5] s; P<0.001). In addition, the ultrasound probe imaging time was better in the smart glasses group than in the control group (19.0 [13.5-30.0] s vs 31.0 [20.0-51.0 ] s; P<0.001), and the period from the first skin puncture to reaching the target area was also shorter (16.0 [12.5-24.5] s vs 26.0 [18.5-33.5] s; P<0.001). Hand-eye coordination was significantly better in the smart glasses group compared with the control group, which included fewer operator head movements (1.0 [1.0-2.0] vs 5.0 [3.0-8.0]; P<0.001); more consistent needle redirections (3.00 [2.0-3.0] vs 3.0 [2.0-4.0]; P=0.004). Pain scores remained similarly low in both groups, with no significant differences in adverse event rates. Ergonomic satisfaction scores (rated 4 or 5) were higher in the smart glasses group (56.2% [41/73] vs 24.7% [18/73]; P<0.001).

Smart glasses reduced the procedure time for experienced anaesthetists performing interscalene brachial plexus block compared with the control group, and improved their hand-eye coordination and satisfaction.

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2400091595).