Using AR/VR to assist ultrasound-guided nerve blocks and line placement.
The Use of Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR) to Enhance the Precision and Accuracy of Ultrasound-guided Medical Procedures
This project will try AR or VR headsets during ultrasound-guided nerve blocks and line placements in adults to see if they help clinicians place needles more accurately and comfortably.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stanford, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06550193 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional, single-center study at Stanford will have clinicians perform ultrasound-guided procedures with the aid of AR or VR visualization tools to overlay anatomy and needle trajectories. Outcomes will include measures of needle placement accuracy, procedure time, complication rates, and clinician usability and ergonomics. Adult patients ASA I–III presenting for regional anesthesia or line placement will be enrolled, with exclusions for pregnancy, incarceration, and BMI >35. The investigators will combine objective performance metrics with clinician feedback to determine feasibility and potential workflow integration.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (ASA I–III) scheduled for ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia or vascular/central line placement who are not pregnant or incarcerated and have BMI ≤35 are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Pregnant people, incarcerated individuals, children, patients with BMI >35, and anyone not undergoing an ultrasound-guided procedure are not eligible and would not directly benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, AR/VR guidance could reduce needle misplacement and related complications, shorten procedure time, and improve patient safety and comfort.
How similar studies have performed: Small pilot and simulation studies have shown promise for AR/VR improving needle visualization and ergonomics, but larger clinical evidence in real patients remains limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * adult patients presenting for ultrasound-guided procedures, with ASA physical status I, II, or III. Exclusion Criteria: * pregnancy * incarceration * BMI \>35
Where this trial is running
Stanford, California
- Stanford Hospital and Clinics — Stanford, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jean-Louis Horn, MD
- Email: hornj@stanford.edu
- Phone: 5033811645
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.