Exploring Mixed Reality for Patient Education in Cerebral Angiograms: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background

Cerebral aneurysms (CAs) affect 3 to 5% of the general population, with saccular aneurysms being the most common type. Despite advances in treatment, patient understanding of CAs and associated procedures remains limited, impacting informed consent and treatment outcomes.

Objectives

This pilot study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mixed reality (MR) technology in enhancing patient education and understanding of cerebral angiograms and aneurysm treatment, thereby improving the patient–surgeon communication process.

Methods

A nonrandomized single-center prospective study was conducted with 16 patients diagnosed with intracranial aneurysms. Participants used a Microsoft HoloLens to view an interactive 3D presentation about cerebral angiograms and aneurysm treatments. Pre- and post-intervention surveys assessed their knowledge and anxiety levels using a 5-point Likert scale. The Wilcoxon's signed-rank test was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Post-intervention, the total survey scores improved significantly (average increase of 6.7 points, p < 0.05). Seven out of eight survey questions showed significant knowledge improvement. The mean perceived ability to explain aneurysm treatment improved by 1.38 points and understanding of access points for procedures increased by 1.31 points (both p < 0.05). The question regarding understanding of treatment risks did not show significant change (p > 0.05). Anxiety levels decreased, with 75% of participants reporting reduced anxiety post-intervention.

Conclusion

MR technology significantly enhances patient understanding and reduces anxiety regarding cerebral angiogram procedures and aneurysm treatments. These findings support the integration of MR in patient education to improve clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. This approach offers a promising direction for future health care communication strategies, especially in complex procedures requiring detailed patient comprehension.

Keywords

mixed reality - patient satisfaction - shared decision making - surgical visualization - intracranial aneurysm

Patient Consent

Prior to enrolling in the study, all participants were briefed on the objectives, potential risks, and anticipated benefits of their involvement. Compensation was not offered for participation. Risks encompassed those inherent in the utilization of a mixed-reality headset, including but not limited to discomfort or visual strain. Ethical clearance for conducting the research was obtained from the Texas Christian University IRB. Patients provided their informed consent prior to their participation in the study. All informed consent forms were stored on a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant platform provided by the corresponding author's institution. The patient consent form required for participation is provided as [Supplementary Material S1] (available in the online version only).

Protection of Human and Animal Subjects

The study adhered to the guidelines set forth by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for the protection of human subjects and underwent review by the Texas Christian University Institutional Review Board.

Publication History

Received: 08 July 2024

Accepted: 20 January 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
21 January 2025

Article published online:
28 May 2025

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