Virtual Reality May Allow Patients to Experience A Less Severe Anesthetic.

A new study suggests that virtual reality could reduce the need for local anesthesia during surgery.

The Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston divided 34 patients who had elective hand surgery into 2 equal-sized groups. The VR headset offered different immersive programs that could be viewed during surgery. One group received a VR headset, and the other did not. You could view 360 degrees of a serene meadow, mountaintop, or forest, guided meditation, and videos against a backdrop of stars.

ADVERTISEMENT