Use of smart glasses for ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization in adults: a randomized clinical trial.
Yuwen Wang, Lingling Jiang, Furui Wang et al.
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In 30 seconds
This prospective, single-blinded randomized clinical trial compared smart glasses with a conventional ultrasound screen for ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization in adults undergoing elective surgery. Among 124 analyzed patients, median overall procedure time was 134 s with smart glasses versus 158 s with the screen (median difference, 26.0 s; 95% CI, [16.0-37.0] s, P < 0.001). Smart glasses also reduced scanning and venous access times and the number of needle redirections and probe repositionings. Procedural success and complication rates were comparable between groups.
Key findings
- Median overall catheterization time was 134 s with smart glasses versus 158 s with the ultrasound screen (median difference, 26.0 s; 95% CI, [16.0-37.0] s, P < 0.001).
- Smart glasses reduced ultrasound scanning time (median difference, 3.0 s, P = 0.004) and venous access time (median difference, 2.0 s, P = 0.013).
- Needle redirections and probe repositionings were significantly reduced with smart glasses (median differences, 1.0, P = 0.003, and 0.0, P = 0.005, respectively).
- Procedural success and complication rates were comparable between groups.
Why it matters
Overlaying ultrasound images in the operator’s field of view may improve procedural efficiency by reducing catheterization time and the need for needle or probe adjustments. The comparable success and complication rates indicate that the observed benefit was efficiency rather than improved clinical outcomes. These results help define the potential role of this interface while highlighting the need to assess its performance across broader operator and patient groups.
What to keep in mind
The trial analyzed 124 patients undergoing elective surgery; the authors call for larger studies with more diverse operators and patients.