Using virtual reality to improve comfort during heart device implantation

Effect of Virtual Reality on Patient's Comfort During Cardiac Electronic Device Implantation: a Randomized, Controlled Trial.

NA · Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona · NCT06346132

This study tests if using virtual reality can help adults feel more comfortable and less anxious during heart device implant procedures.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorEnte Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona (other)
Locations1 site (Lugano, Canton Ticino)
Trial IDNCT06346132 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the impact of a virtual reality experience on patient comfort during the implantation of cardiac electronic devices under local anesthesia. Patients over 18 years old who are undergoing either a new device implantation or a battery change will participate. The intervention involves the use of a virtual reality application designed to enhance the patient's experience during the procedure. The study aims to determine if this innovative approach can reduce discomfort and anxiety associated with the procedure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 undergoing cardiac electronic device implantation or battery replacement under local anesthesia.

Not a fit: Patients with communication limitations, severe sensory deficits, or those undergoing sedation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance patient comfort and reduce anxiety during cardiac procedures.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in medical settings is gaining traction, this specific application in cardiac device implantation is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients over 18 year old,
* Patients who signed the consent form and accepted to participate to the trial,
* New cardiac electronic device implantation or cardiac electronic device battery change,
* Surgical procedure planned in ambulatory care.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Communication limitations,
* Surgical procedure planned in sedation or narcosis,
* Severe sensorial deficits (visual, auditory),
* Claustrophobia,
* Known motion sickness,
* Patient isolated or with contact precautions,
* Known or anticipated psychiatric diseases,
* Patient known for epilepsia,
* Opened scar and or ongoing infection at the level of the face and/or eyes,
* Patient evaluated non suitable for the study by the surgeon, cardiologist or anesthetist.

Where this trial is running

Lugano, Canton Ticino

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: Virtual Reality, Medical Device, Local Anesthesia, Pain

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.