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Study identifier: NCT04912531 Synced from ClinicalTrials.gov · July 29, 2026
● Recruiting

Virtual Reality and Olfactory Stimuli Multimodal Intervention to Reduce Post-Operative Pain and Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Cardiothoracic Surgery

Condition: Postoperative Pain · Anxiety Postoperative · Opioid Use  ·  Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

PhaseNA
Planned participants80
Who can joinAll sexes, 18 Years to no upper limit
Healthy volunteersNo

About this study

Patients who undergo cardiothoracic surgery often experience pain and anxiety around the time of surgery. Currently, treatments for pain and anxiety around the time of surgery include opioids and benzodiazepines, which can have severe side effects and can be ineffective. Interventions combining virtual reality with olfactory stimuli are a promising alternative to opioids and benzodiazepines in the treatment of pain and anxiety around the time of surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of a virtual reality and olfactory stimuli multimodal intervention in patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery. In addition, the investigators will evaluate the preliminary effects of the VR/OS intervention on patient pain and anxiety before and after cardiothoracic surgery. Patients who meet study inclusion criteria and are undergoing cardiothoracic surgery may participate in this study. Patients have an equal being assigned to undergo the virtual reality and olfactory stimuli intervention or continue getting usual medical care with their doctor. If the patient is assigned to receive the virtual reality and olfactory stimuli intervention, the first therapy session will take place approximately two to four weeks before surgery. This will involve wearing a virtual reality headset and scented necklace for approximately 10 minutes. The second session will occur 90 minutes before the surgery. Additionally, for each day the patient recovers in the hospital after surgery, the …

This description comes directly from the study's public registry record.

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Locations (1)

Massachusetts General HospitalBoston, Massachusetts, United StatesRecruiting

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Source record: clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04912531