Interest of Virtual Reality in the Management of Anxiety and Pain Related to Post-cardiac Surgery Care

After cardiac surgery, the mediastinal and pleural drains are usually removed the second postoperative day, in the absence of complications. This procedure, realized by nurses, is a source of anxiety and pain for patients.

Nitrous oxide (Kalinox®) is commonly used to manage many situations of anxiety, including the removal of mediastinal and/or pleural drains, and has shown a greater effect than placebo in this indication.

Virtual Reality (VR) is a recent technology that allows the representation of a pleasant environment in three dimensions with a complete immersion by a helmet. By distracting patients, this technology can reduce anxiety, discomfort and ultimately pain associated with care.

This randomized monocentric trial compares VR versus Kalinox® administration for the management of anxiety and pain related to post-cardiac surgery care, especially mediastinal and/or pleural drain removal.

Inclusion criteria

• Extubated after cardiac surgery
• Sinus rhythm
• Consent for participation
• Affiliation to the social security system

Exclusion criteria

• Pacemaker
• Visual acuity making impossible the use of virtual reality
• Intolerance to morphine
• Contraindication to Kalinox®
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Patients under protection of the adults (guardianship, curators or safeguard of justice)
• Communication difficulties or neuropsychiatric disorder