Abstract

BackgroundConnected devices are dramatically changing many aspects in health care. One such device, the virtual reality (VR) headset, has recently been shown to improve analgesia in a small sample of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation.ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of VR in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation under conscious sedation.MethodsAll patients who underwent an AF ablation with VR from March to May 2020 were included. Patients were compared to a consecutive cohort of patients who underwent AF ablation in the 3 months prior to the study. Primary efficacy was assessed by using a visual analog scale, summarizing the overall pain experienced during the ablation.ResultsThe AF cryoablation procedure with VR was performed for 48 patients (mean age 63.0, SD 10.9 years; n=16, 33.3% females). No patient refused to use the device, although 14.6% (n=7) terminated the VR session prematurely. Preparation of the VR headset took on average 78 (SD 13) seconds. Compared to the control group, the mean perceived pain, assessed with the visual analog scale, was lower in the VR group (3.5 [SD 1.5] vs 4.3 [SD 1.6]; P=.004), and comfort was higher in the VR group (7.5 [SD 1.6] vs 6.8 [SD 1.7]; P=.03). On the other hand, morphine consumption was not different between the groups. Lastly, complications, as well as procedure and fluoroscopy duration, were not different between the two groups.ConclusionsWe found that VR was associated with a reduction in the perception of pain in patients undergoing AF ablation under conscious sedation. Our findings demonstrate that VR can be easily incorporated into the standard ablation workflow.

Highlights

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is an established therapy for patients with symptomatic AF [1]

  • We found that virtual reality (VR) was associated with a reduction in the perception of pain in patients undergoing AF ablation under conscious sedation

  • Patients who underwent AF ablation with VR were compared to a consecutive cohort of patients who received routine AF cryoablation in the 3 months prior to the study using the standard analgesia protocol

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is an established therapy for patients with symptomatic AF [1]. The number of AF ablations is increasing year on year, but the availability of general anesthesia does not meet demand [2]. Patients’ pain and discomfort during AF ablation may be associated with poorer outcomes [3]. The majority of devices are intended to monitor heart rhythm, others have a therapeutic https://www.jmir.org/2021/5/e26349. Connected devices are dramatically changing many aspects in health care. One such device, the virtual reality (VR) headset, has recently been shown to improve analgesia in a small sample of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Methods
Results
Conclusion
Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call