Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 75

Using virtual reality to enhance awake surgery experiences

Official title: Virtual Reality in Awake Surgery : Pilot Study VIRAS

Run by University Hospital, Brest · NCT05151822 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if using a virtual reality mask can help people feel more comfortable and less anxious during awake orthopedic surgeries.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
Enrollment50 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Brest
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Brest)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 24, 2022
Main results expectedMay 2027
Study endsAugust 2027
Registry record updatedMay 18, 2026
Trial IDNCT05151822 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 75 who are scheduled for orthopedic surgery under local anesthesia.

Probably not a fit

Patients with cognitive impairments, severe anxiety, or contraindications to surgery may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This pilot study explores the use of a virtual reality mask to improve patient tolerance and ergonomics during orthopedic surgeries performed under local anesthesia. The study focuses on patients undergoing short, minimally invasive procedures, allowing for immersion in the operating room while the patient remains awake. The intervention includes training sessions with the virtual reality device, monitoring its effectiveness, and assessing patient anxiety levels. The goal is to evaluate how this technology can enhance the surgical experience for patients and improve overall outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance patient comfort and reduce anxiety during awake surgical procedures.

How similar studies have gone: While the use of virtual reality in medical settings is gaining traction, this specific application in awake surgery is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria :

* Major subject
* Consent for the study
* Patients eligible for orthopedic surgery with local anesthetic block
* Estimated duration of the Orthopedic surgery of minimum 1 hour
* For neurosurgical patients in a awake state : Patients eligible for awake neurosurgery (multidisciplinary decision: neurosurgeon, neurologist, oncologist, radiation therapist, anesthesiologist, after psychological, neuropsychological, and speech therapy evaluation)

Exclusion Criteria :

* Age \< 18 years, Age \> 75 years,
* Known central neurological pathology/cognitive impairment,
* Mini-Mental State examination (MMSe) \< 23 if no school certificate, \< 27 if school certificate,
* History of vertigo,
* Claustrophobia,
* Visual deficit not compatible with the use of the virtual reality mask,
* Contraindication to surgery,
* Outpatient treatment,
* Refusal or inability to consent.
* For neurosurgical patients in a awake state : Psychological/psychiatric contraindications to awake surgery.

Where it's running

  • Pr SEIZEUR Romuald
    Brest, France
    Recruiting

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.