Massachusetts General Hospital

Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) is the #1 hospital on the East Coast, having been named #2 in America by U.S. News and World Report. It is the only hospital to be recognized across all 16 specialties assessed by U.S. News. Guided by the needs of patients and their families, MGH delivers exceptional care grounded in leading-edge research, advanced treatment offerings and the latest clinical trials.

Rendever has been partnering with MGH on virtual reality research since 2018. In particular, we work with colonoscopy patients and offer them VR as an alternative to sedation. Most colonoscopy patients opt for moderate to deep sedation during this procedure, however it is not required. The medications usually used for moderate sedation are midazolam and fentanyl. An anesthesia professional typically administers propofol for patients who prefer deep sedation, also known as Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC). In this study, patients can choose to forego the use of opioids, and instead use virtual reality as a form of anxiety reduction and distraction therapy throughout the procedure.

Without the exposure to these drugs, the possible complications that can occur with any form of anesthesia are entirely eliminated. Patients also recover immediately after the procedure and can go to work or drive right away. This study is ongoing, but initial results are overwhelmingly positive.