Using virtual reality to improve aneurysm surgeries and patient communication

A Prospective Observational Study on the Integration of Virtual and Augmented Reality in Neurosurgical Planning, Education, and Patient Engagement

Observational University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT06565234

This study is testing if using virtual reality can help make aneurysm surgeries safer and faster, while also improving how well patients understand their treatment and feel about their care.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Basel, Switzerland Academic / other
Locations1 site (Basel)
Trial IDNCT06565234 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study evaluates the impact of virtual reality (VR) on aneurysm surgeries by focusing on two main areas: VR-assisted clip planning and VR-assisted patient-informed consent. The study aims to assess how VR can enhance clinical outcomes, improve patient safety, and reduce surgery times, while also examining its effects on patient comprehension, anxiety, and the patient-doctor relationship. By leveraging VR technology, the research seeks to promote shared decision-making and patient-centered care in neurosurgery. The feasibility and cost-benefit ratio of these VR applications will also be analyzed.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults with intracranial pathology who are cognitively able to provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to provide informed consent or lack the cognitive ability to participate in the study may not benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and enhanced patient understanding and satisfaction during the informed consent process.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies have shown positive outcomes with VR applications in patient-informed consent, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* The patient is able to give written consent (or written consent by legal representative)
* Preoperative imaging demonstrating intracranial pathology
* Cognitively able to provide answers for the questionnaires

Exclusion Criteria:

* No informed consent
* Adult patients without the power of judgement

Where this trial is running

Basel

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Brain PathologyIntracranial PathologyCerebrovascular or Skull Base PathologiesNeurosurgeryVirtual RealityVirtual Reality-demonstrationVirtual Reality-assisted Informed Consent
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.