Virtual reality and smell tools to ease surgery pain
Part of Pain clinical trials.
This trial tests whether a combination of virtual reality and guided smells can reduce pain and anxiety around major heart and chest surgeries. If you’re scheduled for one of the listed operations, the study may help make recovery feel more comfortable by using sensory-based distraction.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You are 18 or older.
- You are scheduled for one of these surgeries: bypass surgery, aortic valve replacement/repair, lung surgery (resection), or esophagus surgery (esophagectomy).
- You can understand the study and take part safely (no major brain or mental health condition that blocks consent or participation).
- You do not have signs of severe heart shock at the time of surgery.
- You do not have certain serious medical conditions (like very high irreversible blood pressure, severe kidney or liver problems, or congenital heart disease).
- You do not have a strong smell allergy and you still have a sense of smell (not anosmia).
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
Similar studies
Other trials that look related to this one.
This study tests if using virtual reality or an eye mask during wound dressing changes can help reduce pain and anxiety after coronary artery bypass surgery. It aims to find a drug-free way to make dressing changes more comfortable.
This study tests whether using virtual reality (VR) before and after gynecological surgery can help reduce stress and pain. If you join, you would either use VR or receive standard care alone.
This study tests whether breathing in relaxing scents before surgery can reduce anxiety and pain. If effective, it could offer a simple, drug-free way to help you feel calmer during your procedure.
This trial tests if wearing virtual reality (VR) glasses during oral surgery helps patients relax while under IV sedation. It may be a good option if you need sedation for a tooth extraction or other mouth procedure.
This trial tests if using virtual reality after heart or chest surgery can help reduce the amount of strong painkillers (opioids) patients need. It may offer a non-drug way to manage pain and speed up recovery.
This study tests whether using a virtual reality headset can reduce pain and anxiety after open-heart surgery. If you are having planned (non-emergency) heart surgery and are willing to try VR, this might help you feel more comfortable during recovery.
Hear when a new Postoperative Pain trial opens
We’ll email you when one opens — at most once a week, no account needed, unsubscribe anytime.