Remote proctoring during structural heart procedures: Toward a widespread diffusion of knowledge using mixed reality.

Background: Despite its wide diffusion in surgical procedures, very few experiences are reported so far about the possible applications of remote proctoring (RP) in structural heart interventions.

Aims: Our aim was to demonstrate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of RP during transcatheter edge-to-edge repair using a mixed reality-based head-mounted display (HMD).

Methods: Two users (a doctor and a proctor), wearing HMDs, were connected through a 5G network, allowing them to share audio and video signals. During the procedure, the proctor was located in a contiguous room, without any direct connection with the operator. The primary endpoint was noninferiority of HMD-mediated interaction if compared with direct in-person interaction. It was assessed using an operator-proctor interaction test based on six questions asked by the doctor to the proctor on six key procedural steps.

Results: Between September 2021 and April 2022, nine patients were enrolled in the study (15 clips delivered). The primary endpoint was reached in 9/15 clips implanted (60%). The first three failures were due to a chat software problem, and the others were linked with a 5G network malfunction. However, the HMD and its mixed reality tools were well tolerated by the operators, and no interference with the procedure was registered in any of the cases.

Conclusions: In our experience, RP during structural heart interventions is feasible and efficacious. Wearing the HMD is comfortable and does not affect safety and effectiveness of interventional procedures. However, especially if considering a wide geographic use of this tool, a stable internet connection is imperative.