Using Virtual Reality to Reduce Sedation During Endoscopy

Pilot Proof of Concept Study for Implementing Virtual Reality (VR) to Reduce Sedation Requirement During Endoscopy

NA · NYU Langone Health · NCT06349564

This study is testing if using Virtual Reality during endoscopy can help adults feel more comfortable with less sedation and recover faster.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorNYU Langone Health (other)
Locations1 site (Brooklyn, New York)
Trial IDNCT06349564 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study involves patients aged 21 to 65 who are undergoing screening colonoscopy or diagnostic upper endoscopy for conditions like GERD or dyspepsia. Participants will receive minimal sedation while wearing Virtual Reality (VR) goggles throughout the procedure. The aim is to evaluate the feasibility, effects, and safety of VR in reducing sedation needs, improving patient satisfaction, and shortening recovery time. The intervention utilizes a Pico 4 Enterprise headset with noise-cancelling headphones.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 to 65 undergoing screening colonoscopy or diagnostic upper endoscopy for GERD or dyspepsia.

Not a fit: Patients with visual impairments, a history of cardiovascular disease, seizures, vertigo, allergies to plastic, or active gastrointestinal bleeding may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to less sedation required during endoscopic procedures, enhancing patient comfort and recovery.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of VR in medical settings is gaining interest, this specific application for reducing sedation during endoscopy is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
INTERVENTION GROUP

Inclusion Criteria:

* Undergoing screening colonoscopy or diagnostic upper endoscopy for GERD or dyspepsia at NYU Langone Brooklyn Hospital
* Aged 21 to 65

Exclusion Criteria:

* Visual impairments such as blindness which would impair them from watching the entertainment videos.
* Patients with history of CAD,
* History of seizures,
* History of vertigo,
* History of allergy to plastic,
* ASAII or III,
* Patient with active GI bleed, having either melena or hematochezia.

CONTROL GROUP

Inclusion Criteria:

* Underwent screening colonoscopy or diagnostic upper endoscopy for GERD or dyspepsia at NYU Langone Brooklyn Hospital
* Aged 21 to 65

Exclusion Criteria:

* Visual impairments such as blindness which would impair them from watching the entertainment videos
* Patients with history of CAD
* History of seizures
* History of vertigo
* History of allergy to plastic
* ASAII or III
* Patient with active GI bleed, having either melena or hematochezia

Where this trial is running

Brooklyn, New York

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: Sedative During Endoscopy, GERD, Dyspepsia, screening colonoscopy, diagnostic upper endoscopy, Gastroesophageal reflux disease

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.