The Use of Virtual Reality During Breast Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy Procedures

The Use of Virtual Reality During Breast Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy Procedures

To determine if a virtual reality simulation will reduce pain and anxiety in patients undergoing an ultrasound guided breast biopsy procedure.

Breast biopsies for patients with abnormal mammograms are required to identify cancerous tissue. Currently this procedure is done with or without a local anesthetic. Patients report anxiety regarding potentially having cancer and the possibility of cancer-related procedures. Different types of biopsies may have different pain and anxiety based on their duration and complexity. This research is designed to determine if VR simulated environment can reduce pain and anxiety.

The 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 biopsy procedure that have had an abnormal mammogram. 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 who are 18 years of age
• Patient is scheduled for preoperative ultrasound guided breast biopsy procedure

Exclusion Criteria:

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