The Use of Virtual Reality Technology During Oocyte Retrieval for in Vitro Fertilization
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: VR-based intervention (VRReliever Software V0.3.4 fromXRHealth), VR headset without any scenery.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Oocyte Retrieval, Adverse Events, Procedural Anxiety, Pain Intensity. Basic parameters: 18 years — 43 years · Female.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
The Use of Virtual Reality Technology During Oocyte Retrieval for in Vitro Fertilization: a Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Overview
Ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval (OR) is a short, but oftentimes painful procedure, during which the follicles are punctured trans-vaginally to obtain oocytes for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Conscious sedation is the most commonly used method of pain relief, yet several studies have shown that more than half of women report moderate to high levels of pain and up to 7% of women report extreme or unacceptable levels of pain during OR. Adjuvant virtual reality (VR) therapy has been explored to reduce psychological stress during dental procedures, burn wound care, colonoscopy, as well as other minor procedures. Hence, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of VR technology during IVF treatment, particularly with respect to tolerability, patient satisfaction, and pain reduction during oocyte retrieval.
Detailed description
Background / Rationale
Ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval (OR) is a short, but oftentimes painful procedure, during which the follicles are punctured trans-vaginally to obtain oocytes for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Conscious sedation is the most commonly used method of pain relief, yet several studies have shown that more than half of women report moderate to high levels of pain and up to 7% of women report extreme or unacceptable levels of pain during OR. Psycho-social factors such as anxiety, previous negative experiences with gynecological examinations, and perceived lack of control are important predictors of OR-related pain. This finding is consistent with the multidimensionality of the pain experience. Although several adjuvant therapies have been proposed to reduce psychological stress during ART (assisted reproductive technology) therapy, their impact on the OR experience has been mixed.
Virtual reality (VR) allows users to engage in a fully immersive simulated environment using an advanced visual and auditory system. Multimodal stimuli contribute to a sense of actual presence/immersion in the virtual world, thus making the VR experience distinct from passive visual or auditory stimuli. The utility of VR therapy has been explored for numerous health applications, showing positive outcomes in clinical conditions such as dental procedures, burn wound care, colonoscopy, as well as other minor procedures. A recent systematic review of 39 RCTs (randomized clinical trials) concluded that VR's immersive, entertaining effects are useful for redirecting a patient's attention away from painful treatment experiences and reducing anxiety, discomfort, and unpleasantness. Several studies have shown a significant decrease in pain perception and anxiety scores when treated with VR, as measured by anxiety questionnaires, pulse rate reduction, and electroencephalogram changes compared with controls. To the best of our knowledge, there are no published studies that examine the application of VR technology during IVF treatment, particularly with respect to tolerability, patient satisfaction, and pain reduction during oocyte retrieval.
Purpose
The primary objectives of this pilot study are to evaluate patient acceptance, perceived utility, and adverse effects of VR technology during the oocyte retrieval procedure as measured by validated VR-engagement and anxiety-related questionnaires
Interventions
- Device VR-based intervention (VRReliever Software V0.3.4 fromXRHealth)
The participant will be able to select between four VR environments: beach, lake, forest, or mountain scenery. Each provides an immersive audio and visual environment designed to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Each scene is rendered in a high-resolution and life-like fashion which participants can experience in a full 360 degrees. Participants will wear the headset for the duration of the egg retrieval procedure which is approximately 15-20 minutes. - Device VR headset without any scenery
VR headset without any scenery
Primary outcome measures
- Treatment satisfaction and immersion [Time frame: 10 minutes]
- Adverse events [Time frame: 20 minutes]
- Procedural anxiety [Time frame: 20 minutes]
Secondary outcome measures (5)
- Pain intensity [Time frame: 10 minutes]
- Total opioid and benzodiazepine use [Time frame: 20 minutes]
- Duration of procedure [Time frame: 20 minutes]
- Total number of oocytes retrieved / peak E2 [Time frame: 20 minutes]
- Total number of MII oocytes retrieved / number of follicles ≥ 17mm on day of trigger [Time frame: 20 minutes]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
\- All adults undergoing their first oocyte retrieval
Exclusion criteria
- severe visual impairment
- contraindications to using VR technology according to manufacturer specifications including:
- severe motion sickness
- epilepsy/previous seizure
- claustrophobia
- current migraine
- heart disease
- use of medical devices such as cardiac pacemaker or hearing aids
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Single blind
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
Study locations
Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
Publications
- Frederiksen Y, Mehlsen MY, Matthiesen SM, Zachariae R, Ingerslev HJ. Predictors of pain during oocyte retrieval. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol. 2017 Mar;38(1):21-29. doi: 10.1080/0167482X.2016.1235558. Epub 2016 Sep 27. PMID 27670651
- Ferreira-Valente MA, Pais-Ribeiro JL, Jensen MP. Validity of four pain intensity rating scales. Pain. 2011 Oct;152(10):2399-2404. doi: 10.1016/j.pain.2011.07.005. PMID 21856077
- Mahrer NE, Gold JI. The use of virtual reality for pain control: a review. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2009 Apr;13(2):100-9. doi: 10.1007/s11916-009-0019-8. PMID 19272275
- Gejervall AL, Stener-Victorin E, Cerne A, Borg K, Bergh C. Pain aspects in oocyte aspiration for IVF. Reprod Biomed Online. 2007 Feb;14(2):184-90. doi: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60786-9. PMID 17298721
- Kwan I, Wang R, Pearce E, Bhattacharya S. Pain relief for women undergoing oocyte retrieval for assisted reproduction. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018 May 15;5(5):CD004829. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004829.pub4. PMID 29761478
Identifiers
NCT: NCT06733701 · 24-0033-E