VR Ultrasound Guided Breast Localization

The Use of Virtual Reality During Breast Localization Procedures

To determine if a virtual reality simulation will reduce pain and anxiety in patients undergoing an ultrasound guided breast localization procedure (traditional wire, savi scout or a radiofrequency identification tag).

Needle localizations for breast cancer surgery are required to identify cancerous tissue before surgery. Currently this procedure is done with or without a local anesthetic. Patients report anxiety regarding cancer and cancer-related procedures. Different types of needle localization may have different pain and anxiety based on their duration, complexity, and invasiveness. This research is designed to determine if VR simulated environment can reduce pain and anxiety.

Our aim is to study the efficacy of a virtual environment in reducing pain and procedural anxiety. It is intended for patients undergoing an ultrasound guided breast localization procedure that have had an abnormal breast biopsy. The overall aim is to discover an efficacious nonpharmacologic method to lower pain and anxiety during a standard of care procedure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Informed consent is obtained from the patient
• Females ≥ 18 years of age
• Patient is schedule for preoperative ultrasound guided breast localization procedure

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient is scheduled for or switched to a stereotactic localization procedure
• The patient has motion sickness
• The patient has severe cognitive disabilities or language barriers that inhibit study form completion in English
• Refusal of patient to sign consent