Using virtual reality glasses to reduce pain after open heart surgery

The Effect of Virtual Reality Glasses Applied on Chest Tube Removal After Open Heart Surgery on Pain Level and Hemodynamic Variables

Not applicable Interventional Mersin University · NCT05585853

This study is testing if using virtual reality glasses can help reduce pain for patients recovering from open heart surgery when their chest tubes are being removed.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment82 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorMersin University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Mersin)
Trial IDNCT05585853 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of virtual reality glasses on pain levels and hemodynamic variables in patients recovering from open heart surgery. A total of 82 patients will be recruited from the cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit and will use virtual reality glasses for ten minutes during the removal of their chest tubes. Pain and hemodynamic measurements will be taken before, during, and after the intervention to assess its effectiveness compared to a control group receiving standard care. The study aims to explore a non-invasive method to enhance patient comfort and recovery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old who are conscious, cooperative, and stable hemodynamically, specifically on the 2nd or 3rd day post-open heart surgery.

Not a fit: Patients who are not conscious, have unstable hemodynamic status, or are under 18 years old will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and improve recovery outcomes for patients after open heart surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality for pain management is gaining traction, this specific application in post-operative open heart surgery patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Agreeing to participate in the research (signing the Informed Consent Form),
* Conscious and cooperative,
* Stable hemodynamic status,
* Speaks and understands Turkish,
* Over 18 years old,
* On the 2nd and 3rd day after open heart surgery,
* Having chest tube,
* No sensitivity or trauma in the area (for the study group) where the virtual reality glasses will be applied,
* No active COVID-19 infection,
* Patients without any psychiatric diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria:

* Agreeing to participate in the research (signing the Informed Consent Form),
* Not conscious,
* Not cooperative
* Unstable hemodynamic status,
* Speaks and understands Turkish,
* who are under the age of 18,
* On the 0th or 1st day after surgery,
* No chest tube,
* Has sensitivity or trauma in the area (for the study group) where the virtual reality
* Active COVID-19 infection,
* Patients with a psychiatric diagnosis

Where this trial is running

Mersin

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 PainHemodynamic InstabilitypainVirtual reality glassesopen heart surgeryhemodynamic
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.