JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

This study explores the treatment of internal carotid artery stenosis in patients with high risk for cardiovascular events. The use of regional anesthesia permits ongoing neurological monitoring and enhances patient safety during procedures. However, the operation can be stressful and lengthy, highlighting the need for strategies to alleviate patient discomfort. This study evaluates audiovisual distractions such as video goggles to potentially improve patient experiences during carotid surgeries, an area currently lacking in comprehensive research. So the question is.

Objective:

Is there a benefit for patients regarding stress reduction when using video goggles in vascular surgery of the A. Carotis?

Methods:

This prospective, randomized study at the University Hospital Augsburg is evaluating the use of HappyMed® video goggles by patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy while under regional anesthesia. Participants are randomized into either the intervention group receiving video goggles, or the control group without goggles. The surgical and anesthetic procedures remaining consistent across both groups. Eligibility includes patients who meet surgical criteria, are able to lie supine and are cooperative, while those on corticosteroids, with dementia or language barriers are excluded. The study employs questionnaires and vital/laboratory parameters including cortisol levels and heart rate to assess stress and anxiety. Both patients and surgical staff will evaluate the experience postoperatively to determine the goggles’ impact on patient experience and stress management during surgery.

Results:

Patient enrollment has begun; however, results are not yet available.

Conclusions:

With our results, we hope to demonstrate a benefit of audiovisual distraction and thus make the surgical procedure more tolerable for patients. Clinical Trial: The study is approved by the local ethics committee and registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. Patient inclusion has started in September 2022 and should be completed within three years.