Using virtual reality to reduce anxiety and pain during elective procedures in the cathlab

Virtual Reality as a Non-pharmacological Tool for Pain and Anxiety Relief During Elective Procedures in the Cathlab

Not applicable Interventional Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel · NCT06171620

This study is testing if using virtual reality can help reduce anxiety and pain for patients having elective procedures in the catheterization lab.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment64 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversitair Ziekenhuis Brussel Academic / other
Locations1 site (Brussels, Jette)
Trial IDNCT06171620 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) as a non-pharmacological intervention to alleviate anxiety and pain in patients undergoing elective procedures in the catheterization laboratory. Patients scheduled for procedures will be randomly assigned to either a control group receiving standard care or an intervention group that will use a VR headset in addition to standard care. The primary outcomes will be measured using validated scales for anxiety, allowing for a comparative effectiveness analysis of the VR intervention in a clinical setting.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are undergoing elective procedures in the cathlab and are fluent in English, French, or Dutch.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments, severe hearing or visual impairments, or those who cannot comfortably wear the VR headset may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce anxiety and pain for patients undergoing elective procedures.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using virtual reality for anxiety and pain management, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Undergoing elective procedure in line with the following criteria in the cathlab of the UZB: limited feedback requirements from the patient to the physician, per-formed under local anaesthesia, risk estimated as normal i.e. haemodynamically stable patients (Stable vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure) and no expected complications, electively planned and duration expected to be between 30 minutes and two hours.
* Agreeing to participate via signed informed consent.
* Being at least 18 years of age.
* Being fluent in either English, French or Dutch language.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Ailments which would make wearing of the headset uncomfortable or impossible.
* cognitive impairment such as dementia or delirium.
* Severe hearing impairment, as this will limit the immersion.
* Severe visual impairment not compensated by glasses, such as blindness.

Where this trial is running

Brussels, Jette

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 AnxietyPain
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.