Virtual reality or eye mask during dressing after coronary artery bypass

The Effect of Virtual Reality and Eye Mask Application During Dressing After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery on Sternotomy Pain, Anxiety, and Physiological Parameters

Not applicable Interventional Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · NCT07039812

This study tests whether wearing a virtual reality headset or an eye mask during dressing after coronary artery bypass surgery can reduce pain, anxiety, and stress-related vital sign changes in adults recovering from CABG.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorIstanbul University - Cerrahpasa Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Marmara)
Trial IDNCT07039812 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial enrolls 90 adults after first-time CABG and randomly assigns them to a virtual reality (VR) group, an eye mask (EM) group, or a standard care control group. Patients in the VR group view 360-degree nature videos through a headset during dressing, while the EM group wears an eye mask and the control group receives usual care. Pain and anxiety are measured at baseline, immediately after, and 15 minutes after the first and second dressing procedures, and physiological parameters are recorded at multiple peri-dressing time points. Analgesic use is tracked around each dressing to capture any medication-sparing effects.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 undergoing first-time CABG who are conscious, oriented, cooperative, able to communicate in Turkish, and classified as ASA I–III with BMI under 30 are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients who are sedated or intubated, have sternal wound infection, sensory impairments, epilepsy, psychiatric/cognitive disorders, or significant postoperative complications may not benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, these simple non-drug methods could lower pain and anxiety during dressing, reduce need for pain medication, and support smoother recovery.

How similar studies have performed: Prior research in perioperative and procedural settings shows VR can reduce pain and anxiety and eye masks may aid relaxation, but applying these specifically during CABG dressing is a relatively novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 18-65 years
* First-time coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery for coronary artery disease
* ASA physical status I, II, or III
* Conscious, oriented, and cooperative
* Able to communicate verbally
* Provided written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of sternal wound infection or inflammation
* Intubated at the time of assessment
* Undergoing revision surgery
* Receiving anesthesia or sedation in the ICU
* Experiencing intraoperative or postoperative complications
* Inability to speak Turkish
* Hearing or visual impairment
* Diagnosed psychiatric or cognitive disorder
* Diagnosis of epilepsy
* Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30
* Participation in another clinical trial during the same period

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Marmara

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 CABGPhysiological ParameterPostoperative PainPostoperative AnxietyCoronary Artery DiseaseCoronary Artery Bypass GraftVirtual RealityEye Mask
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.