Project description:In brain tumor surgery, an appropriate and careful surgical planning process is crucial for surgeons and can determine the success or failure of the surgery. A deep comprehension of spatial relationships between tumor borders and surrounding healthy tissues enables accurate surgical planning that leads to the identification of the optimal and patient-specific surgical strategy. A physical replica of the region of interest is a valuable aid for preoperative planning and simulation, allowing the physician to directly handle the patient's anatomy and easily study the volumes involved in the surgery. In the literature, different anatomical models, produced with 3D technologies, are reported and several methodologies were proposed. Many of them share the idea that the employment of 3D printing technologies to produce anatomical models can be introduced into standard clinical practice since 3D printing is now considered to be a mature technology. Therefore, the main aim of the paper is to take into account the literature best practices and to describe the current workflow and methodology used to standardize the pre-operative virtual and physical simulation in neurosurgery. The main aim is also to introduce these practices and standards to neurosurgeons and clinical engineers interested in learning and implementing cost-effective in-house preoperative surgical planning processes. To assess the validity of the proposed scheme, four clinical cases of preoperative planning of brain cancer surgery are reported and discussed. Our preliminary results showed that the proposed methodology can be applied effectively in the neurosurgical clinical practice both in terms of affordability and in terms of simulation realism and efficacy.
Project description:IntroductionTraditional physical therapy (PT) requires patients to attend weekly in-office supervised physical therapy appointments. However, between 50% and 70% of patients who would benefit do not receive prescribed PT due to barriers to access. Virtual Reality (VR) provides a platform for remote delivery of PT to address these access barriers.MethodsWe developed a VR-PT program consisting of training, games, and a progress dashboard for 3 common lower extremity physical therapy exercises. We enrolled orthopaedic trauma patients with lower extremity injuries. Patients completed a VR-PT session, consisting of training and one of the exercise-based games. Pre- and post-VR-PT questionnaires were completed.ResultsWe enrolled 15 patients with an average age of 51 years. Fourteen patients said they would enroll in a randomized trial in which they had a 50% chance of receiving VR-PT vs receiving standard of care. When asked to rate their experience using the VR-PT module on a scale from 0-10-with 0 being anchored as "I hated it" and 10 being anchored as "I loved it"-the average rating was 7.5. Patients rated the acceptability of VR-PT as a 3.9 out of 5, the feasibility as a 4.0 out of 5, and the usability as a 67.5 out of 100.ConclusionThe response to VR-PT in this pilot study was positive overall. A VR-based PT program may add value for both patients and clinicians in terms of objective data collection (to aid in compliance monitoring, progression toward goals and exercise safety), increased engagement and increased access.
Project description:BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a virtual reality video on preoperative anxiety, hemodynamic parameters, and patient satisfaction in patients undergoing septorhinoplasty.MethodsThis was a prospective, observational cohort trial. Forty patients between the ages of 18...65 who were scheduled for elective septorhinoplasty, with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I...II were included in the study. Patients experienced a 15-minute virtual reality (VR) video via a phone using a VR device. A three-dimensional, 360.. video depicted the beauty of nature and was accompanied by meditation music.Patients.. oxygen saturation values, heart rate, and blood pressure were monitored and recorded. Using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scale, anxiety scores and hemodynamic parameters were compared before and after VR application.ResultsMedian anxiety scores decreased significantly from 40.5 to 34 (p.ß<.ß0.001). VR also had positive effects on hemodynamic parameters.ConclusionsVR reduces preoperative anxiety and has positive effects on hemodynamic parameters in patients undergoing septorhinoplasty. We anticipate that VR will be increasingly used as a non-pharmacological preoperative approach in the future.
Project description:Oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) is a poor prognosis cancer and the molecular features underpinning response to treatment remain unclear. We investigated whole genome, and where possible transcriptomic and methylation data from 115 OAC patients mostly from the DOCTOR phase II clinical trial (ANZCTR-ACTRN12609000665235). We identified genomic features associated with poorer overall survival, such as the APOBEC mutational and RS3-like rearrangement signatures. We also showed that positron emission tomography non-responders have more sub-clonal genomic copy number alterations. Transcriptomic analysis categorised patients into four immune clusters correlated with survival. The immune suppressed cluster was associated with worse survival, enriched with myeloid-derived cells, and an epithelial-mesenchymal transition signature. The immune hot cluster was associated with better survival, enriched with lymphocytes, myeloid-derived cells, and an immune signature including CCL5, CD8A, and NKG7. The immune clusters highlight patients who may respond to immunotherapy and thus may guide future clinical trials.
Project description:Study objectivePreoperative assessment is a standard evaluation, traditionally done in-person in a preanesthesia clinic, for patients who will be undergoing a procedure involving anesthesia. Given the increased adoption of virtual care during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to review the effectiveness of virtual preoperative assessment for the evaluation of surgical patients.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.SettingMEDLINE (Ovid), MEDLINE InProcess/ePubs, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from the initial coverage of the respective database to May 2021. A manual citation search of Google Scholar and PubMed was conducted to identify missed articles. Continued literature surveillance was done through July 2021.PatientsPatients aged 18 years and older undergoing virtual preoperative anesthesia assessment.InterventionsVirtual preoperative assessment.MeasurementsSurgery cancellation rates, patient experience, resources saved, staff experience, success in using the data collected to diagnose and manage patients.Main resultsFifteen studies (n = 31,496 patients) were included in this review. The average age of patients was 58 ± 15 years, and 47% were male. Virtual preoperative assessment resulted in similar surgery cancellation rates compared to in-person evaluation, with a pooled cancellation rate of 2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1-3%). Most studies reported a positive patient experience, with a pooled estimate of 90% (95% CI, 81-95%). There was a high success rate in using the information collected with virtual care, in the range of 92-100%, to diagnose and manage patients resulting in time and cost savings in the range of 24-137 min and $60-67 per patient.ConclusionsThis systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates the utility of virtual care for preoperative assessment of surgical patients. Virtual preanesthesia evaluation had similar surgery cancellation rates, high patient satisfaction, and reduced costs compared to in-person evaluation.
Project description:PurposeTo test a virtual case-based Simulated Diabetes Education intervention (SimDE) developed to teach primary care residents how to manage diabetes.MethodNineteen primary care residency programs, with 341 volunteer residents in all postgraduate years (PGY), were randomly assigned to a SimDE intervention group or control group (CG). The Web-based interactive educational intervention used computerized virtual patients who responded to provider actions through programmed simulation models. Eighteen distinct learning cases (L-cases) were assigned to SimDE residents over six months from 2010 to 2011. Impact was assessed using performance on four virtual assessment cases (A-cases), an objective knowledge test, and pre-post changes in self-assessed diabetes knowledge and confidence. Group comparisons were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models, controlling for clustering of residents within residency programs and differences in baseline knowledge.ResultsThe percentages of residents appropriately achieving A-case composite clinical goals for glucose, blood pressure, and lipids were as follows: A-case 1: SimDE = 21.2%, CG = 1.8%, P = .002; A-case 2: SimDE = 15.7%, CG = 4.7%, P = .02; A-case 3: SimDE = 48.0%, CG = 10.4%, P < .001; and A-case 4: SimDE = 42.1%, CG = 18.7%, P = .004. The mean knowledge score and pre-post changes in self-assessed knowledge and confidence were significantly better for SimDE group than CG participants.ConclusionsA virtual case-based simulated diabetes education intervention improved diabetes management skills, knowledge, and confidence for primary care residents.
Project description:We aimed to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia using new diagnostic criteria and association of sarcopenia with cardiopulmonary function and physical activity (PA) in preoperative lung cancer patients. The data of 614 patients were obtained from the CATCH-LUNG cohort study. Patients were classified into three groups-normal (n = 520), pre-sarcopenia (n = 60, low skeletal muscle mass index only), and sarcopenia (n = 34, low SMI and strength). Cardiopulmonary function was measured using the 6-min walk test (6MWT), and PA was objectively measured using a wearable device. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for a <400-m distance in 6MWT was 3.52 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34-9.21) and 6.63 (95% CI 2.25-19.60) in the pre-sarcopenia and sarcopenia groups, respectively, compared to that in the normal group. The aOR (95% CI) for <5000 steps/day was 1.64 (0.65-4.16) and 4.20 (1.55-11.38) in the pre-sarcopenia and sarcopenia groups, respectively, compared to that in the normal group. In conclusion, the prevalence of pre-sarcopenia and sarcopenia was 9.8% and 5.5%, respectively, among preoperative lung cancer patients. Cardiopulmonary function and physical activity were significantly lower in the pre-sarcopenia and sarcopenia groups than in the normal group. Patients with sarcopenia had more robust findings, suggesting the importance of muscle strength and mass.
Project description:A cephalosomatic anastomosis (CSA; also called HEAVEN: head anastomosis venture) has been proposed as an option for patients with neurological impairments, such as spinal cord injury (SCI), and terminal medical illnesses, for which medicine is currently powerless. Protocols to prepare a patient for life after CSA do not currently exist. However, methods used in conventional neurorehabilitation can be used as a reference for developing preparatory training. Studies on virtual reality (VR) technologies have documented VR's ability to enhance rehabilitation and improve the quality of recovery in patients with neurological disabilities. VR-augmented rehabilitation resulted in increased motivation towards performing functional training and improved the biopsychosocial state of patients. In addition, VR experiences coupled with haptic feedback promote neuroplasticity, resulting in the recovery of motor functions in neurologically-impaired individuals. To prepare the recipient psychologically for life after CSA, the development of VR experiences paired with haptic feedback is proposed. This proposal aims to innovate techniques in conventional neurorehabilitation to implement preoperative psychological training for the recipient of HEAVEN. Recipient's familiarity to body movements will prevent unexpected psychological reactions from occurring after the HEAVEN procedure.
Project description:BackgroundAs length of stay decreases for total joint arthroplasty, much of the patient preparation and teaching previously done in the hospital must be performed before surgery. However, the most effective form of preparation is unknown. This randomized trial evaluated the effect of a one-time, one-on-one preoperative physical therapy education session coupled with a web-based microsite (preopPTEd) on patients' readiness to discharge from physical therapy (PT), length of hospital stay, and patient-reported functional outcomes after total joint arthroplasty.Questions/purposesWas this one-on-one preoperative PT education session coupled with a web- based microsite associated with (1) earlier achievement of readiness to discharge from PT; (2) a reduced hospital length of stay; and (3) improved WOMAC scores 4 to 6 weeks after surgery?MethodsBetween February and June 2015, 126 typical arthroplasty patients underwent unilateral TKA or THA. As per our institution's current guidelines, all patients attended a preoperative group education class taught by a multidisciplinary team comprising a nurse educator, social worker, and physical therapist. Patients were then randomized into two groups. One group (control; n = 63) received no further education after the group education class, whereas the intervention group (experimental; n = 63) received preopPTEd. The preopPTEd consisted of a one-time, one-on-one session with a physical therapist to learn and practice postoperative precautions, exercises, bed mobility, and ambulation with and negotiation of stairs. After this session, all patients in the preopPTEd group were given access to a lateralized, joint-specific microsite that provided detailed information regarding exercises, transfers, ambulation, and activities of daily living through videos, pictures, and text. Outcome measures assessed included readiness to discharge from PT, which was calculated by adding the number of postoperative inpatient PT visits patients had to meet PT milestones. Hospital length of stay (LOS) was assessed for hospital discharge criteria and 6-week WOMAC scores were gathered by study personnel. At our institution, to meet PT milestones for hospital discharge criteria, patients have to be able to (1) independently transfer in and out of bed, a chair, and a toilet seat; (2) independently ambulate approximately 150 feet; (3) independently negotiate stairs; and (4) be independent with a home exercise program and activities of daily living. Complete followup was available on 100% of control group patients and 100% patients in the intervention group for all three outcome measures (control and intervention of 63, respectively).ResultsThe preopPTEd group had fewer postoperative inpatient PT visits (mean, 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.0-3.6 versus 4.4; 95% CI, 4.1-4.7; p < 0.001) and achieved readiness to discharge from PT faster (mean, 1.6 days; 95% CI, 1.2-1.9 days versus 2.7 days; 95% CI, 2.4-3.0; p < 0.001) than the control group. There was no difference in hospital LOS between the preopPTEd group and the control group (2.4 days; 95% CI, 2.1-2.6; p = 0.082 versus 2.6 days; 95% CI, 2.4-2.8; p = 0.082). There were no clinically relevant differences in 6-week WOMAC scores between the two groups.ConclusionsAlthough this protocol resulted in improved readiness to discharge from PT, there was no effect on LOS or WOMAC scores at 6 weeks. Preoperative PT was successful in improving one of the contributors to LOS and by itself is insufficient to make a difference in LOS. This study highlights the need for improvement in other aspects of care to improve LOS.Level of evidenceLevel II, therapeutic study.
Project description:We built a virtual reality (VR) application that runs on a commercially available standalone VR headset that allows patients to view a virtual simulation of themselves receiving radiotherapy. The purpose of this study was to determine if this experience can improve patient understanding of radiotherapy and/or reduce patient anxiety. We created software that reads data from our clinical treatment planning system and renders the plan on a life-size "virtual linear accelerator." The patient's CT simulation data is converted into a 3D translucent virtual human shown lying on the treatment table while visible yellow radiation beams are delivered to the target volumes in the patient. We conducted a prospective study to determine if showing patients their radiotherapy plan in VR improves patient education and/or reduces anxiety about treatment. A total of 43 patients were enrolled. The most common plans were 3D breast tangents and intensity-modulated radiotherapy prostate plans. Patients were administered pre- and post-experience questionnaires. Thirty-two patients (74%) indicated that they "strongly agree" that the VR session gave them a better understanding of how radiotherapy will be used to treat their cancer. Of the 21 patients who expressed any anxiety about radiotherapy beforehand, 12 (57%) said that the VR session helped decrease their anxiety about undergoing radiotherapy. In our single-institution, single-arm prospective patient study, we found that the majority of patients reported that the personalized VR experience was educational and can reduce anxiety. VR technology has potential to be a powerful adjunctive educational tool for cancer patients about to undergo radiotherapy.