Étude comparative de l’insertion de cathéters veineux périphériques sous guidage échographique en réalité virtuelle entre la méthode mains libres et la réalité augmentée

Abstract

Ultrasound-guided insertion of peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) requires precise coordination between probe manipulation and needle orientation, which can make the execution of the gesture demanding. The user is constantly required to mentally reconstruct the spatial relationship between the probe, the needle, and the target vein. To address these visualization limitations, integrating an augmented reality (AR) interface within a virtual reality (VR) environment represents a promising approach that brings ultrasound information closer to the virtual operative field. The objective of this research is to evaluate the impact of a simulated AR interface on performance and cognitive load during ultrasound-guided PVC insertion in an immersive simulation. The study is based on a comparison between two visualization modes, namely a conventional hands-free procedure reproducing the standard ultrasound display, and an AR-assisted procedure in which the ultrasound image is directly integrated into the virtual environment. The methodology relies on a user study conducted with thirty healthcare professionals in a simulator adapted to reproduce the conditions of ultrasound guidance. Participants performed ten insertions in each of the two experimental conditions. The collected measures included procedure time, number of attempts required for success, needle-beam alignment accuracy, as well as cognitive load assessed using a standardized questionnaire. This protocol made it possible to obtain performance indicators allowing the comparison of the two visualization modes. The results show that the simulated AR interface enables faster task execution, reduces the number of attempts required for success, and improves needle-beam alignment accuracy. Participants also reported a decrease in perceived cognitive load in the AR condition, suggesting that the visual proximity between the ultrasound image and the motor action facilitates spatial understanding of the gesture. The study thus highlights the potential of AR integrated into VR as a training and support tool for ultrasound-guided procedures, offering an immersive and interactive visualization capable of improving technical performance in a simulated context.

Date	14 May 2026
Original language	French
Awarding Institution	École de technologie supérieure
Supervisor	Simon Drouin (Supervisor)