Novel Use of Google Glass for Procedural Wireless Vital Sign Monitoring

Abstract

Purpose This study investigates the feasibility and potential utility of head-mounted displays for real-time wireless vital sign monitoring during surgical procedures. Methods In this randomized controlled pilot study, surgery residents (n = 14) performed simulated bedside procedures with traditional vital sign monitors and were randomized to addition of vital sign streaming to Google Glass. Time to recognition of preprogrammed vital sign deterioration and frequency of traditional monitor use was recorded. User feedback was collected by electronic survey. Results The experimental group spent 90% less time looking away from the procedural field to view traditional monitors during bronchoscopy (P = .003), and recognized critical desaturation 8.8 seconds earlier; the experimental group spent 71% (P = .01) less time looking away from the procedural field during thoracostomy, and recognized hypotension 10.5 seconds earlier. Trends toward earlier recognition of deterioration did not reach statistical significance. The majority of participants agreed that Google Glass increases situational awareness (64%), is helpful in monitoring vitals (86%), is easy to use (93%), and has potential to improve patient safety (85%). Conclusion In this early feasibility study, use of streaming to Google Glass significantly decreased time looking away from procedural fields and resulted in a nonsignificant trend toward earlier recognition of vital sign deterioration. Vital sign streaming with Google Glass or similar platforms is feasible and may enhance procedural situational awareness.

Augmented reality for the surgeon: Systematic review

“…There are few different wearable‐computing devices on the market that can be used instead of Google Glass, and there are also streaming devices, such as MedCyclops (Jacksonville, FL), that are compatible with multiple wearable head‐up displays. Previously, Google Glass has been used in the operating room for recordings and live streaming of simple procedures via Google Hangout for teaching and sharing purposes …”

“…There were 7 studies utilizing head‐up displays for simulated anaesthesia procedures (6 with Nomad, 1 with Google Glass and 1 with a custom headset). Use in simulated patients included laryngeal mask airway placement; monitoring of vital signs such as respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and blood pressure; and phantom needle guidance in simulated peripheral nerve blocks . Yoon et al .…”

Use of the wearable smart glasses for indocyanine green (ICG) angiography of a flap surgery

“…Wearable technology with heads-up displays has entered the medical field and been used for various medical purposes such as navigation surgery (Shao et al, 2014), education (Guze, 2015), and vital sign monitoring (Liebert, Zayed, Aalami, Tran, & Lau, 2016). In the setting of the reconstructive surgery, near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging using indocyanine green (ICG), also known as ICG angiography, is used predominantly to assess tissue perfusion in transferred flap (Pruimboom et al, 2019).…”

Evaluation of Google Glass Technical Limitations on Their Integration in Medical Systems

“…Among the most widespread applications are surgery [9,10,11], ophthalmology [12,13], cardiology [14], emergency [15] and bedside [16]. Most studies show promising results but list a number of shortcomings when using Google Glass.…”