Using 360-degree Virtual Reality to Reduce Anxiety Before Cardiac Surgery

The Effects of 360-degree Virtual Reality on Pre-procedural Anxiety in Patients Awaiting Elective Cardiac Surgery Involving a Sternotomy

Not applicable Interventional Academisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA) · NCT06001489

This study tests if using 360-degree virtual reality can help reduce anxiety in patients getting ready for heart surgery compared to regular patient education.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAcademisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA) Academic / other
Locations1 site (Amsterdam, North Holland)
Trial IDNCT06001489 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of 360-degree Virtual Reality (VR) on pre-procedural anxiety in patients awaiting elective cardiac surgery involving a sternotomy. It aims to compare the effectiveness of VR patient education against standard educational methods in reducing anxiety levels. The study is designed as a single-center, randomized controlled trial, focusing on patients who are likely to experience significant anxiety prior to surgery. By familiarizing patients with their clinical pathway through immersive VR experiences, the study seeks to improve their psychological comfort and potentially enhance postoperative outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for elective cardiac surgery involving a sternotomy.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those under 18, those with a history of previous cardiac surgery, or those with severe mental health disorders.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pre-procedural anxiety, leading to improved recovery times and lower complication rates for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in using VR to manage pre-procedural anxiety in other medical fields, suggesting potential success for this novel application in cardiothoracic surgery.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients awaiting elective cardiac surgery involving a sternotomy
* 18 years or older

Exclusion Criteria:

* Under the age of 18
* History of previous cardiac surgery
* (concomitant) aortic surgery
* Cardiac surgery for congenital heart defects
* Hearing or visual impairments
* Language barriers (inability to understand, speak or read Dutch)
* History of severe mental or psychiatric disorders

Where this trial is running

Amsterdam, North Holland

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 Cardiac Valve DiseaseAortic Valve DiseaseMitral Valve DiseaseTricuspid Valve Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.