Using virtual reality to treat non-cardiac chest pain
Official title: A Feasibility Study of Virtual Reality for the Treatment of Non-cardiac Chest Pain
Run by Mayo Clinic · NCT06262126 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether virtual reality can help people with non-cardiac chest pain feel less pain and anxiety while improving their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Mayo Clinic Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Jacksonville, Florida) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 14, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06262126 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are individuals experiencing recurrent non-cardiac chest pain with a negative prior cardiac evaluation.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with major concomitant illnesses or those currently using drugs or alcohol that may interfere with study adherence 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 study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using virtual reality (VR) as a treatment for non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP). It will assess factors such as patient willingness to participate, adherence to the intervention, and retention rates, while also identifying any challenges that may arise in future clinical trials. Additionally, the study will explore the effectiveness of VR in reducing pain severity, anxiety, and improving quality of life for patients experiencing NCCP.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel, non-invasive treatment option for patients suffering from non-cardiac chest pain.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of virtual reality in medical treatments is gaining traction, this specific application for non-cardiac chest pain is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Symptoms of non-cardiac chest pain (recurrent anginal-like or atypical chest pain) * Negative prior cardiac evaluation (at a minimum, including electrocardiogram) * Prior esophagogastroduodenoscopy and/or barium esophagram to rule out severe esophagitis, stricture, or motility abnormality Exclusion Criteria: * Initiation of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) within 8 weeks * Major concomitant illness * Current drug or alcohol use that that would interfere with adherence to study requirements * Symptoms of vertigo or dizziness that would limit tolerability of the VR headset
Where it's running
-
Mayo Clinic Florida
Jacksonville, Florida, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Andree Koop, MD — Mayo Clinic
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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.