Hypnosis to improve comfort during transoesophageal echocardiography

Evaluation of the Benefits of Hypnosis During Transoesophageal Echocardiography

NA · Fondation Hôpital Saint-Joseph · NCT07512830

This trial will test whether conversational and brief hypnosis given by the cardiologist can make transoesophageal echocardiography easier and less uncomfortable for adults having the procedure with local anaesthetic.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorFondation Hôpital Saint-Joseph (other)
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Paris, Île-de-France Region)
Trial IDNCT07512830 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Participants undergoing transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) will receive a combined conversational hypnosis period during the pre‑procedure explanation and a short, deliberate hypnosis phase performed by the cardiologist in the exam room. Their tolerance of the examination and the time required for the procedure will be compared with patients who receive a standard pre‑exam interview by a cardiologist not trained in these techniques. The procedure is done under local anaesthetic and the trial excludes patients with major psychiatric or cognitive disorders, contraindications to TOE, or pregnancy. Outcomes focus on patient comfort and procedural efficiency rather than changes in cardiac diagnosis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18) who require transoesophageal echocardiography under local anaesthetic, are French‑speaking, insured, and able to give free verbal consent are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to TOE, known major psychiatric illness or cognitive impairment, those who are non‑French speaking, pregnant or breastfeeding, or under legal guardianship are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce patient discomfort during TOE and lower the need for general anaesthesia or prolonged monitoring.

How similar studies have performed: Hypnosis has shown benefit for procedure‑related anxiety and pain in other medical settings, but using conversational hypnosis specifically during TOE is novel and not well documented.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patient aged ≥ 18 years old

* Patient requiring a transoesophageal ultrasound scan under local anaesthetic.
* Patient affiliated to a health insurance scheme
* French-speaking patient
* Patient who has given their free, informed and express verbal consent

Exclusion Criteria:

Patient with a contraindication to transoesophageal ultrasound (significant radiation exposure to the chest, oesophageal pathology with risk of bleeding)

* Patients with known schizophrenia or known psychiatric illness (documented in medical records)
* Patients with known dementia or known cognitive impairment (documented in medical records)
* Patients already included in an interventional research protocol
* Patients under guardianship or curatorship
* Patients deprived of their liberty
* Patients under judicial protection
* Pregnant or breastfeeding patients

Where this trial is running

Paris, Île-de-France Region

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cardio Vascular Disease, stroke, endocarditis, local anaesthetic, Conversational hypnosis

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.