Using virtual reality to help children during kidney biopsies
Evaluating the Feasibility of Virtual Reality for Procedural Sedation in Pediatric Renal Biopsy Patients
This study is testing if using virtual reality games can help kids aged 5-17 feel less pain and anxiety during kidney biopsies.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 5 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Francisco Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (San Francisco, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT05267704 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the feasibility of using virtual reality (VR) as a non-pharmacologic method to reduce pain and anxiety in pediatric patients aged 5-17 undergoing renal biopsies. Participants will have the option to wear a VR headset displaying an interactive game during the procedure, while standard sedation medications remain available for those who need them. Continuous monitoring of pain and anxiety levels will be conducted by healthcare professionals using validated scales. The goal is to determine if VR can effectively enhance the biopsy experience for children.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 5-17 scheduled for a renal biopsy at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital.
Not a fit: Patients who cannot lie supine, have head/face injuries, or significant cognitive delays may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the need for pharmacologic sedation and improve the overall experience for pediatric patients undergoing renal biopsies.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of VR in medical procedures is gaining traction, this specific application for pediatric renal biopsies is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: - Patients age 5-17 receiving a renal biopsy at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Benioff Children's Hospital Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who cannot lie supine for their renal biopsy will be excluded from the study * Patients with injuries to the head/face that would prohibit wearing a headset * Patients with loss of consciousness, altered mental status, life-threatening injuries/illness or multi-trauma * Patients with open skin, lice, scabies, or other infectious skin conditions on the head/face * Patients with a history of or current symptoms of vertigo * Patients who are blind * Patients with significant developmental or cognitive delays who may not be able to engage with or tolerate the virtual reality environment, as determined by their parent/caregiver * Patients on whom the VR headset does not fit appropriately
Where this trial is running
San Francisco, California
- UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital — San Francisco, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Justin Libaw, MD, MPH — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Justin Libaw, MD, MPH
- Email: justin.libaw@ucsf.edu
- Phone: 415-443-1366
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.