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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07483619

Virtual Reality During Coronary Angiography: Effects on Pain and Anxiety

This study investigated whether virtual reality (VR) can reduce pain and anxiety in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Coronary angiography is a common cardiac procedure performed under local anesthesia while patients remain awake, which can cause significant pain and anxiety.

Adult patients scheduled for elective coronary angiography were randomly assigned to two groups: one group watched a nature-themed VR video during the procedure, while the control group received standard care. Pain and anxiety levels were measured before and after the procedure using validated scales.

The findings of this study may help healthcare providers offer a simple, non-pharmacological method to improve patient comfort during coronary angiography.

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Key information

Conditions

Coronary Angiography (CAG) Agnosia Anxiety Anxiety Disorders Mental Disorders Nervous System Diseases Neurobehavioral Manifestations Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Perceptual Disorders Signs and Symptoms Virtual Reality

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Koç University

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Coronary angiography is one of the most frequently performed invasive cardiac diagnostic procedures. Although the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, patients remain conscious throughout, and procedural pain and anxiety are commonly reported. Non-pharmacological interventions to manage these symptoms are increasingly being explored as adjuncts to standard care.

Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive technology that engages the user's visual and auditory senses, potentially distracting patients from procedural discomfort. This randomized controlled trial examined the effect of VR on pain and anxiety in patients undergoing elective coronary angiography.

Patients were randomized into two groups using a sealed envelope method. The VR group watched a pre-selected nature-themed video through a VR headset throughout the procedure. The control group received standard care without any additional intervention. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and anxiety was measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before and after the procedure.

The study was conducted at a cardiology unit in Istanbul, Turkey, and was approved by the institutional ethics committee (Approval No: 2019-84). Written informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to enrollment.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Aged 18 years or older
  • Scheduled for elective coronary angiography
  • Conscious and oriented
  • Able to communicate verbally
  • No prior coronary angiography experience
  • Willing to participate and provided written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • History of psychiatric disorder or use of psychiatric medication
  • Visual or hearing impairment that would prevent VR use
  • Hemodynamic instability
  • Emergency coronary angiography
  • Inability to complete the questionnaires
  • Prior experience with virtual reality

Treatment and study plan

Virtual Reality Headset

Device

Participants in the VR group wore a virtual reality headset and watched a pre-selected nature-themed video throughout the coronary angiography procedure. The VR intervention was applied in addition to standard care and was maintained for the entire duration of the procedure.

Primary outcomes

  1. Pain Intensity Measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

    Time frame: Measured before and immediately after the coronary angiography procedure

    Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a 10-cm horizontal scale where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain.

Secondary outcomes

  1. State-Trait Anxiety Level Measured by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S)

    Time frame: Measured before and immediately after the coronary angiography procedure

    Anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), which measures state anxiety (STAI-S) and trait anxiety (STAI-T). State anxiety reflects current anxiety levels, while trait anxiety reflects general anxiety disposition. Higher scores indicate greater anxiety.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Koç University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Beyond the Cath Lab Curtain: Virtual Reality's Impact on Pain and Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: VR-CAPA

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2023
First posted
Mar 19, 2026
Registry last updated
Mar 19, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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