293 - Augmented and Virtual Reality for Preprocedural Planning in Vascular Interventional Radiology: A Prospective Pilot Study

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility, usability, and impact of augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) for preprocedural planning across a variety of endovascular interventional radiology procedures.

Materials and Methods: An IRB-approved prospective pilot study was conducted among interventional radiologists performing complex vascular interventions (n=50). Cases included hepatic angiography (n=40), percutaneous hepatic perfusion (n=6), prostate artery embolization (n=2), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE, n=1), and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS, n=1). Immersive 3D reconstructions of cone beam CT exams were reviewed using Apple Vision Pro (Cupertino, CA) and the Visage Ease AR/VR App (Visage Imaging, San Diego, CA). Structured surveys assessed AR/VR integration, procedural impact, usability, and perceived benefit using 5-point Likert and yes/no responses.

Results: Fifty cases (mean case time 104.6 ± 61.7 min) were reviewed with AR/VR. The median VR planning time was 5 min [IQR 5.0–9.5], corresponding to a median of 6% [4%–10%] of total procedure duration. AR/VR planning was perceived to change/improve procedural strategy in 42% of cases (3.4 ± 1.2). Anatomic visualization was rated correct, relevant, and useful in 84% of cases (mean 4.7 ± 0.8). Integration into workflow was strongly endorsed in 96% of cases (mean 4.8 ± 0.5). AR/VR improved procedural confidence (mean 4.6 ± 1.0) and anatomic understanding (mean 4.6 ± 0.9). System usability was rated high (mean 4.5 ± 0.9), though headset comfort remained limited (mean 2.1 ± 1.0).

Conclusion: AR/VR was feasible and positively influenced preprocedural planning across diverse vascular interventional radiology procedures, particularly in complex hepatic angiography. Its use was associated with greater confidence and improved anatomic understanding. Headset discomfort might limit routine adoption of this technology.