Virtual Reality Supported Mindfulness Meditation After Cardiovascular Surgery

The early postoperative period following cardiovascular surgery is characterized by increased psychological distress and physiological instability. Patients frequently experience elevated levels of anxiety, perceived stress, and fluctuations in vital signs after being transferred from the intensive care unit to the ward. These factors may negatively affect recovery and overall well-being. Therefore, there is a growing interest in non-pharmacological interventions that can support both psychological and physiological stabilization in this critical period.

Mindfulness-based interventions have been widely used to reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and enhance overall well-being. In recent years, virtual reality (VR) technologies have been introduced as a novel tool to deliver mindfulness practices through immersive and engaging environments. VR-supported mindfulness may provide a practical and effective approach, particularly for postoperative patients with limited mobility.

This study was designed as a quasi-experimental, non-randomized controlled trial to examine the short-term psychophysiological effects of VR-supported mindfulness meditation in patients after cardiovascular surgery. The study included a total of 34 patients who had completed the intensive care phase and were transferred to the ward (intervention group n=17, control group n=17).

In addition to standard postoperative care, the intervention group received a single 15-minute VR-supported mindful body scan meditation session. The control group received standard care only.

Data collection was conducted using an ecological momentary assessment approach at multiple time points. In the intervention group, measurements were performed before the intervention, immediately after the session (15th minute), at the 1st hour, and at the 3rd hour. In the control group, measurements were obtained at baseline, 1st hour, and 3rd hour.

Psychological outcomes included state anxiety, perceived stress, and positive and negative affect. Physiological parameters included heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and body temperature.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and short-term effects of VR-supported mindfulness meditation on psychological and physiological outcomes in patients during the early postoperative period following cardiovascular surgery.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients aged 18 to 65 years
• Patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting or heart valve repair surgery
• Patients monitored in the postoperative period in the clinical ward following the intensive care unit stay
• Hemodynamically stable patients within the first 12 to 48 hours after surgery, defined as heart rate 60-100 beats/min, blood pressure 90/60-140/90 mmHg, oxygen saturation ≥92%, and respiratory rate 12-20 breaths/min
• Patients who were conscious, able to communicate verbally, and able to understand and follow instructions
• Patients without visual or hearing impairment and physically able to use the virtual reality device
• Patients without a history of psychiatric diagnosis or treatment, based on self-report
• Patients who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

• Patients who underwent major vascular surgery such as aortic aneurysm repair, aortic dissection repair, carotid endarterectomy, or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair
• Patients who developed serious postoperative complications requiring emergency intervention within the first 12 to 48 hours after surgery, such as acute renal failure, pulmonary embolism, or severe bleeding
• Patients using continuously high-dose beta-blockers or antiarrhythmic drugs due to uncontrolled hypertension or heart failure
• Patients with prior experience in mindfulness meditation
• Patients dependent on mechanical cardiac support devices or requiring continuous mechanical support such as an intra-aortic balloon pump
• Patients diagnosed with delirium or severe cognitive impairment
• Patients under isolation precautions for infection control