Therapy to help patients before heart surgery

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for the Perioperative Period of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: a Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial

Not applicable Interventional University of Iowa · NCT06207318

This study tests whether Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help patients feel less anxious and depressed before heart surgery to improve their overall well-being.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Iowa Academic / other
Locations1 site (Iowa City, Iowa)
Trial IDNCT06207318 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery. It aims to address the high levels of anxiety and depression that patients often experience before surgery, which can negatively impact health outcomes. By providing therapy, the study seeks to improve patients' mental well-being and overall quality of life during this critical time. Participants will be recruited from the Heart and Vascular Center at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients admitted for urgent or elective CABG surgery who can access a personal device for therapy sessions.

Not a fit: Patients with life-threatening noncardiac conditions or those experiencing active suicidal ideation may not benefit from this therapy.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve the mental health and recovery outcomes for patients undergoing CABG surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While ACT has been used in various settings, this specific application for CABG patients is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* admission to the Heart and Vascular Center at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) for urgent or elective CABG
* access to a personal phone or device with video or audio capabilities
* ability to provide informed consent
* English fluency.

Exclusion Criteria:

* life-threatening comorbid (noncardiac) medical condition(s)
* active suicidal ideation or intent
* psychotropic medication use lasting less than four weeks
* inability to provide informed consent and comply with study procedures
* those undergoing repeat revascularization

Where this trial is running

Iowa City, Iowa

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.
Conditions Coronary Artery DiseaseVascularizationACTCABG
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.