Using virtual reality to reduce anxiety in patients before interventional radiology procedures
Official title: Effects of Virtual Reality in the Management of Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Interventional Radiology Procedures: Randomized Study
Run by Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli · NCT06745765 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if using virtual reality to watch calming videos can help reduce anxiety in patients getting CT-guided biopsies compared to regular preoperative care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 236 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bologna, Bologna) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06745765 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are patients scheduled for CT-guided biopsies under local anesthesia who can provide informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who require general anesthesia, have certain medical conditions, or do not speak English or Italian may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to determine the effectiveness of virtual reality in reducing preoperative anxiety for patients undergoing CT-guided biopsies. Participants will wear a Meta Quest 2 virtual reality headset for 20 minutes prior to their procedure, watching a calming video designed to promote relaxation. The study will compare the anxiety levels of patients using virtual reality against those receiving standard preoperative care, measuring changes in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as satisfaction levels from both patients and interventional radiologists.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce anxiety levels in patients undergoing minimally invasive procedures, leading to improved patient experiences and outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results using virtual reality for anxiety reduction in various medical settings, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Indication to CT-guided biopsy in local anesthesia * Informed consent signature Exclusion Criteria: * Lack of patient consent to trial. * Lack of eligibility to perform CT-guided needle biopsy, or eligibility to perform the procedure but with administration of general anesthesia or sedation. * patients who do not speak Italian or English will be excluded; * patients with visual and/or hearing impairment; * patients on analgesics or anxiolytics; * patients with the following conditions: dementia, psychiatric disorders; headache, dizziness, recent head injury, epilepsy, and other conditions in which the application of VR glasses has been judged to be potentially harmful; and when the topical anesthetic (lidocaine and prilocaine \[eutectic mixture of local anesthetic (EMLA)\]) or tetracaine (Ametop) was not properly applied before surgery.
Where it's running
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IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli
Bologna, Bologna, Italy Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Giancarlo Facchini, Medicine and Surgery
- Email: giancarlo.facchini@ior.it
- Phone: +39 0516366836
Similar studies
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.