B-45 | The Use of Virtual Reality to Optimize Patient Comfort During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Abstract

The use of sedating anxiolytic and pain medications is ubiquitous in the United States in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We hypothesize the use of a virtual reality headset (VRH) can lower patient perception of anxiety and pain and improve overall patient experience whilst limiting the use of sedating medications. A feasibility study was performed among patients undergoing TAVR. Use of sedating medications was managed by an anesthesiologist. Patients underwent pre and post procedure surveys with State-Trait Anxiety Inventory 6 Score to assess anxiety and the Wong-Baker FACES Score to assess pain. During the procedure, patients had the option to choose their preferred environment from immersive beach, space, underwater, or nature experiences. In total, 14 patients were enrolled in our study with 4 opting to discontinue the VRH for various reasons including claustrophobia and weight of the headset. For the 10 patients who completed the study, 7 had improvement in their anxiety scores post TAVR (Figure 1, Panel C). The average overall patient experience was excellent at 8.45/10. Post procedural pain scores for the majority of patients was 0 and the most severe pain score 4/10. All 10 patients stated they would use the technology again in future procedures. Use of a VR headset by patients undergoing TAVR appears feasible and does not interfere with care provided by the medical team. Future study will focus on comparisons of anesthetic use and patient satisfaction with vs without use of VRH.