Virtual Reality for the Management of Pain and Anxiety for Outpatient Interventional Radiology Procedures

Virtual Reality for the Management of Pain and Anxiety for Outpatient Interventional Radiology Procedures Performed With Local Anesthesia: A Randomized Pilot Study in Digital Sedation

This study explores the use of virtual reality (VR) to reduce pain and anxiety during thyroid biopsies and PICC line insertions under local anesthesia. One group experienced the procedure with VR, while the other group did not. Participants completed questionnaires before and after the surgery to measure pain and anxiety levels. The main goal is to observe if VR can significantly decrease pain and anxiety during these procedures.

This prospective, randomized, controlled study investigates the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) as a means to alleviate pain and anxiety in individuals receiving thyroid biopsies and PICC placements with local anesthesia. This study was conducted at Temple University Hospital between June 2021 and August 2022. A total of 107 patients were randomized into treatment and control groups. The VR experience involved wearing a headset with an immersive 3D visual display and accompanying music, simulating a calming environment. Patients completed Visual Analog Scales for pain and anxiety both before and after the intervention, reflecting their pain and anxiety levels prior to and during the procedure. The primary endpoints were to observe the effect of VR on pain and anxiety in both groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age over 18
• Scheduled to receive Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) Thyroid Biopsy
• Scheduled to receive Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICC)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Declining to participate
• Inability to provide consent
• Emergency procedures
• Administration of general anesthesia/moderate sedation
• Visual or hearing deficits
• Pregnancy
• Current prisoner status
• Nerve or sensory deficits over area of procedure
• COVID-19 positive status