Abstract ID: 26-540
Comparing suturing quality and subjective workload in mixed reality versus direct vision
Author: Arnaud Potvin Base Hospital / Institution: Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; The Ezra Clinic
Presentation Type: ePoster Presentation
Purpose
The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of mixed reality (MR) headsets and the presence of a preoperative patient photo in the surgical field on suturing quality and subjective workload compared to best-corrected direct vision (BCDV).
Methods
A total of 15 oculoplastic surgeons (4 consultants, 6 fellows, 5 trainees) performed suturing tasks under six conditions: BCDV, HoloLens 2 and VisionPro, each with and without a patient photograph in the surgical field. Each participant placed five interrupted 6-0 polypropylene sutures on a synthetic skin model for each condition. Outcomes were assessed using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS), Suture Quality Score (SQS), and NASA Task Load Index (TLX). A randomized crossover design minimized learning effects. Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to analyse the differences between groups.
Results
OSATS and SQS (median(IQR)) were highest for BCDV (26.0(21.75-30.0); 21.5(18.75-24.0)), followed by HoloLens (25.0(18.5-27.0); 18.0(17.0-22.0)), and VisionPro (16.0(13.0-19.0); 15.0(13.0-16.75)). TLX (median)) was lowest in BCDV (15.0(12.0-25.0)), followed by HoloLens (40.0(29.75-52.5)), and VisionPro (65.5(54.75-85.25)). These differences were statistically significant across conditions for all variables (OSATS p<0.001; SQS p<0.001; TLX p=0.001). The presence of a photo did not significantly affect outcomes.
Conclusion
MR headsets may compromise suturing quality and increase subjective workload compared to direct vision. The presence of a preoperative photo did not significantly influence outcomes. These findings highlight the need for further research to optimize MR technology for surgical training and practice, ensuring it meets the precision demands of fine motor tasks without increasing workload.
Additional Authors
| First name | Last name | Base Hospital / Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Sonia | Peñarrocha | Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust |
| Daniel | Ezra | Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; The Ezra Clinic |