Virtual reality for patient informed consent in skull base tumors and intracranial vascular pathologies: A pilot study

• DOI: 10.1007/s00701-024-06355-w
• Publication Date: 2024-11-15T05:09:30Z
• Authors: Emilia Westarp; Attill Saemann; Marek Zelechovski; Balazs Faludi; Philippe Cattin; Jehuda Soleman; Raphael Guzman
• Keywords: Neuroradiology; Interventional radiology

Abstract Purpose With the growing demand for shared decision-making and patient-centered care, optimal informed consent (IC) has gained relevance. Virtual reality (VR) seen significant technological advancements, its medical applications currently include surgical planning education. This pilot study investigates feasibility of VR-enhanced (VR-IC) in neurosurgery to improve preoperative IC patient satisfaction. Methods We included patients aged 18 75 years who were scheduled skull base meningioma or brain aneurysm surgery between May December 2023. Exclusion criteria visual/auditory impairments severe cognitive/psychiatric disorders. Patients received standard followed by VR-IC using patient-specific VR models their pathology. After an initial demonstration surgeon, used station independently. A questionnaire with questions on a 5-point Likert scale assessed subjective impression VR-IC. Results Ten participated study, six (60%) undergoing clipping four (40%) resection. The mean age participants was 58 (± 15, range 27 years), female (40%). overall rated VR-informed positively 4.22 0.84). There better understanding pathology (mean 4.30 ± 0.92) planned procedure 3.95 1.04). Trust surgeon 3.47 0.94). Only minimal side effects from experience including dizziness discomfort noted 4.60 0.22). None dropped out study. Conclusion is feasible improves satisfaction without effects. These findings will guide randomized controlled trial validate benefits further.