Using virtual reality and scents to reduce pain and anxiety after heart surgery
Using a Virtual Reality and Olfactory Stimuli Multimodal Intervention to Reduce Post-Operative Pain and Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Cardiothoracic Surgery
This study is testing whether using virtual reality and scents can help reduce pain and anxiety for people recovering from heart surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT04912531 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates a multimodal intervention combining virtual reality and olfactory stimuli to alleviate postoperative pain and anxiety in patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery. The intervention aims to provide an alternative to traditional opioid and benzodiazepine treatments, which can have significant side effects. Participants will be immersed in a computer-generated environment while experiencing specific scents, with the goal of enhancing pain tolerance and reducing anxiety levels. The study will assess the feasibility and preliminary effects of this innovative approach on patient outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 scheduled for major cardiothoracic surgeries such as coronary artery bypass grafting or lung resection.
Not a fit: Patients with severe medical conditions like cardiogenic shock, significant hypertension, or those with odor allergies or anosmia may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the need for opioids and benzodiazepines, leading to better pain management and lower anxiety levels for patients post-surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that virtual reality can effectively decrease pain intensity and increase pain tolerance, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Be scheduled to undergo any one of the 5 major types of cardiothoracic surgical operations: coronary artery bypass grafting, aortic valve replacement, aortic valve repair, lung resection, and esophagectomy * Age \> 18 * No cognitive or psychiatric conditions prohibiting study consent or participation. Exclusion Criteria: * Clinical signs of cardiogenic shock at time of surgery * Severe irreversible hypertension * Congenital heart disease * Chronic renal insufficiency defined by Cr ≥ 2.5 or chronic renal replacement therapy * Evidence of cirrhosis or hepatic synthetic failure * Patients with odor allergies or anosmia (lost their sense of smell)
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.