Smart glasses integrated with a wireless ultrasound system for radial artery catheterization in elderly patients: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

Radial artery catheterization can be challenging in elderly patients. The clinical value of integrated system combining a wireless ultrasound probe and smart glasses remains unclear. This study evaluated whether this approach improves first puncture success compared with conventional ultrasound guidance.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This prospective randomized controlled trial enrolled 194 patients aged ≥65 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-III who were scheduled for elective surgery requiring radial artery catheterization. Patients were randomly assigned to the smart glasses group or conventional ultrasound group in a 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome was the first puncture success rate. Secondary outcomes included procedure-related behavioral indicators of hand-eye coordination, procedure time, and operator satisfaction.

RESULTS

A total of 194 patients were analyzed. The first puncture success rate was significantly higher in the smart glasses group than in the ultrasound group [88/97, 90.72% vs. 66/97, 68.04%; p < 0.001; relative risk (RR) = 1.333; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.147-1.550]. Compared with the ultrasound group, the smart glasses group showed fewer head rotations [0 (0, 0) vs. 2 (1, 3); p < 0.001], ultrasound probe repositionings [0 (0, 1) vs. 1 (0, 2); p < 0.001], and needle redirections [2 (0, 2) vs. 2 (1, 3); p < 0.001]. Operator satisfaction, measured using a visual analog scale (VAS), was higher in the smart glasses group than in the ultrasound group [86 (79-90) vs. 70 (60-79); median difference, 13.00; 95% CI, 10.00-17.00; p < 0.001].

CONCLUSION

Compared with conventional ultrasound guidance, integrated wireless ultrasound and smart glasses system improved the first puncture success rate of radial artery catheterization in elderly patients and enhanced procedure-related behavioral indicators associated with hand-eye coordination, including head rotations, ultrasound probe repositioning, and needle angle adjustments. This approach also shortened procedure time and improved operator satisfaction.