Virtual Reality in the Operating Room

Virtual Reality in the Operating Room: Using Immersive Relaxation as an Adjunct to Anesthesia

This is a randomized, controlled trial designed to investigate whether the use of virtual reality immersive relaxation during hand/arm operations can allow for a relaxing operating room experience for patients while potentially reducing anesthesia requirements.

The proposed study is a randomized, controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of VR as an adjunct to standard anesthetic practice for upper extremity surgery. Patients will be randomized to undergo immersion relaxation via the use of VR during their procedure or control. In both groups patients will undergo regional anesthesia preoperatively according to standard practice. Patients will then be assessed postoperatively to assess the intraoperative propofol dose between groups, as well as secondary outcomes including patient satisfaction.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Patients undergoing upper extremity (hand, wrist, arm, and/or elbow) surgery at BIDMC under MAC

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age < 18
• Open wounds or active infection of the face or eye area
• History of seizures or other symptom linked to an epileptic condition
• Patients who plan to wear hearing aids during the procedure
• Patients with a pacemaker or other implanted medical device
• Droplet or airborne precautions (as determined by BIDMC infection control policy)
• Non-English speaking
• Patients who require deep sedation
• Patients who are deemed ineligible to approach by the surgeon