Use of an augmented reality headset to optimize ergonomics in digestive endoscopy settings

Digestive endoscopy practice is associated with various musculoskeletal disorders for the operator. This has been the subject of numerous studies and a guideline recently published by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy [1] [2]. Although these recommendations call for a neutral position for the operator, they are often difficult to implement in practice. Of particular concern are procedures performed under both fluoroscopic and endoscopic guidance, as they require the operator to alternate the attention between two monitors, often positioned on different axes relative to the right hand holding the endoscope. When the room is dedicated to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), where the operator's neutral position is usually with their back to the patient, conventional procedures result in twisting movements of the knees, hips, back, and neck, with the latter two being at greatest risk of endoscopy-related injury [3].