Evaluation of a simplified augmented reality device for ultrasound-guided vascular access in a vascular phantom

Study Objective: To investigate whether a novel ultrasound device may be used with a simplified augmented reality technique, and to compare this device with conventional techniques during vascular access using a vascular phantom. Design: Prospective, randomized study. Setting: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine departments of a university-affiliated hospital. Participants: 20 physicians with no experience with ultrasound-guided techniques. Measurements: All participants performed the vascular access technique on the vascular phantom model using both a conventional device and the new ultrasound device. Time and the number of redirections of the needle until aspiration of dye into a vessel of the vascular phantom were measured. Main Results: The median/interquartile range of time was 39.5/41.7 seconds versus 18.6/10.0 seconds (P < 0.001) and number of redirections was 3/3.5 versus 1/0 (P < 0.001) for the conventional and novel ultrasound devices, respectively. Conclusion: During vascular access in a vascular phantom model, the novel device decreased the time and the number of redirections significantly. The device successfully improved the efficiency of the ultrasound-guided vascular access technique. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.