In-view vital-sign alarm recognition using a smart glass during simulated bronchoscopy: a phantom feasibility study

Continuous vital-sign monitoring is essential during bronchoscopy under sedation, yet a dedicated observer may be unavailable, dividing operator attention between the procedure and monitoring. This small, single-arm phantom study explored whether an off-the-shelf smart glass showing vital signs as two-state in-view text can convey actionable alarms during simulated bronchoscopy, and assessed operator-reported usability. Six physicians performed simulated bronchoscopy on an airway phantom wearing a smart glass (Even Realities G2) with a purpose-built display; synthetic vital signs were broadcast at 1 Hz from a laptop (the bridge) that applied all threshold classification centrally. Each completed three standardized scenarios of two alarm events; on noticing an alarm, participants named the affected vital sign, and a single unblinded observer recorded response times. Of 35 evaluable events, 33 (94.3%, 95% CI 80.8–99.3) were recognized at a median 5.0 s (IQR 3.0–6.0), with correct identification in every recognized event; two were missed. Perceived contribution to safety was rated highest (median 5.0), but ease of noticing alerts and maintaining awareness only moderate (median 3.0). In-view alarm display appears technically feasible as a sole information source in this exploratory setting; recognition was not uniform, and any role alongside a certified monitor requires clinical evaluation.