PROJECT HEAVEN: Preoperative Training in Virtual Reality

Surgical Neurology International, 2017 · DOI: 10.4103/sni.sni_371_16 · Published: April 26, 2017

Assistive Technology Surgery Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

The study proposes using virtual reality (VR) with haptic feedback to prepare patients psychologically for a head transplant (cephalosomatic anastomosis or CSA, also called HEAVEN). This training aims to familiarize the recipient with body movements to prevent unexpected psychological reactions after the HEAVEN procedure. The objective is to utilize and evolve contemporary methods in neurorehabilitation for familiarizing the recipient of HEAVEN to the sensations of performing bodily functions. Familiarity to bodily movement will lower the possibility of the recipient expressing unexpected psychological reactions after the HEAVEN procedure. This proposal aims to prepare the recipient for the sensations of performing bodily functions and prevent triggering the behaviors mentioned above. Replicating natural body movements through VR experiences will serve as training against unexpected psychological reactions.

Study Duration

3 Months

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
VR experiences can increase motivation, improve biopsychosocial status, and encourage neuroplasticity in SCI and stroke patients, which are beneficial for preoperative training.
2
Combining VR experiences with haptic feedback realistically replicates the sensations involved in bodily movement and promotes neuroplastic recovery.
3
The memory of activities from the preparatory VR training will be retained after CSA is complete, helping the recipient adapt to their new body.

Research Summary

The paper proposes using virtual reality (VR) with haptic feedback to prepare patients for the psychological impact of receiving a new body via cephalosomatic anastomosis (CSA), also known as the HEAVEN procedure. The VR training aims to familiarize patients with normal body movements before the surgery to prevent psychological reactions like hypomania or depersonalization after the transplant. The proposed methodology involves a phased approach of increasing the intensity of VR activities, combined with a physical therapy gait frame, and even includes reproductive function training, all tracked via game scores, EMG, and user surveys.

Practical Implications

Preoperative Psychological Preparation

VR training can help recipients of HEAVEN psychologically adjust to their new bodies, preventing adverse psychological reactions.

Neurorehabilitation Enhancement

VR technology offers new approaches for neurorehabilitation by enhancing motivation, improving biopsychosocial status, and encouraging neuroplasticity.

Sexual Function Rehabilitation

VR and electrostimulation can be used to prepare recipients for sexual intercourse in their new bodies, addressing an important aspect of life after HEAVEN.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of literature on preoperative VR training for CSA.
2
Need to experiment with different VR and haptic feedback technologies.
3
Requires further examination to determine optimal VR and haptic feedback combinations.

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