Usefulness of simulation digital versatile disc (DVD) for reducing intraoperative anxiety in patients undergoing neuroendovascular treatment under local anesthesia

Objective: The advantages of neuroendovascular treatment (NET) include low invasiveness and the ability to be performed under local anesthesia. However, the psychological burden of surgery might be increased because patients remain conscious during the operation. A multi-media digital versatile disc (DVD) showing the neuroendovascular course was created to reduce the anxiety of patients scheduled to undergo NET under local anesthesia by giving them information about the procedual process. The purpose of this study was to examine the usefulness of this DVD and to discuss the kind of information that patients desired. Methods: A questionnaire survey on perioperative anxiety was conducted in 30 patients who underwent NET under local anesthesia, including 20 patients who watched the DVD and 10 who did not. A different questionnaire was used to survey the 10 patients who did not watch the DVD. Results: Of the patients who watched the DVD, all had better understanding of NET and approximately 70% had less anxiety. The information acquired from the DVD was helpful in reducing patient anxiety. Most commonly, patients wanted information about the atmosphere of the angiography room and issues related to pain or discomfort, such as information about local anesthesia, hemostasis at the puncture site, and intraoperative bed rest. Conclusions: The DVD was useful in reducing the anxiety of patients scheduled to undergo NET under local anesthesia. The patients desired information regarding the angiography room and invasive procedures.