Using Virtual Reality to Manage Pain and Anxiety After Heart Surgery

The Effect of Virtual Reality on Postoperative Pain and Anxiety in Cardiac Surgery.

NA · Academisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA) · NCT06001502

This study is testing if using virtual reality can help reduce pain and anxiety in patients recovering from heart surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAcademisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA) (other)
Locations1 site (Amsterdam, North Holland)
Trial IDNCT06001502 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of virtual reality (VR) on managing post-operative pain and anxiety in patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Participants will be randomly assigned to either a VR intervention group, receiving a 20-minute VR session on the first three days post-surgery, or a control group receiving standard post-operative care. The study will assess pain levels, anxiety, and recovery quality using validated questionnaires and pain scales over a six-week follow-up period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled to undergo CABG surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with major comorbidities, psychiatric impairments, or those who cannot use the VR device due to physical limitations may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce post-operative pain and anxiety for cardiac surgery patients, improving their recovery experience.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results using VR for pain and anxiety management in various surgical settings, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥18 years or older with written informed consent
* Patients undergoing surgical CABG

Exclusion Criteria:

* Major comorbidities besides coronary artery disease
* Complicated surgical procedure
* Hearing and/or visual impairments
* Psychiatric impairments
* Complaints of vomiting and nausea
* History of epilepsy
* Claustrophobia
* Facial wounds and skin defects at site of application
* Patients placed in clinical isolation
* Readmission to the intensive care unit

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Post Operative Pain, Post Operative Anxiety, Heart Surgery, Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting, Virtual Reality

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.