Study: Virtual reality reduces preoperative anxiety in heart surgery patients

Editor's Note

Virtual reality (VR) may help older patients manage anxiety before open-heart surgery, according to a study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Medical Xpress covered the news February 12.

According to the article, researchers found that immersive VR and tablet-based VR significantly lowered anxiety levels, offering a nonpharmacological alternative to traditional anti-anxiety medications, which can complicate surgery and recovery.

The study included 100 patients scheduled for their first open-heart surgery. Participants were divided into two groups—one using immersive VR goggles and the other using a tablet version—while waiting in the holding area before surgery. Both formats provided a 10-minute guided nature experience featuring changing seasons and breathing exercises. Patients using the VR headset could interact with the environment, while those using the tablet watched a video of the same content.

Anxiety levels were measured using a standardized test before and after the intervention. Scores decreased by an average of 2 points with the tablet and 2.9 points with the VR headset. While both methods lowered pulse rates, they did not impact respiration rate or oxygen levels. Researchers noted that multiple responses on the anxiety test shifted from negative to positive, indicating an improved emotional outlook.

Senior author Jordan Miller, PhD, a cardiovascular disease researcher at Mayo Clinic, emphasized the potential for VR to enhance patient experience and aid recovery. Cardiac surgeons Joseph Dearani, MD, and John Stulak, MD, highlighted VR’s flexibility, noting it could be used throughout the surgical process to further improve outcomes. Unlike music and massage therapy, which are already used postoperatively, VR can be implemented at any stage, inside or outside the hospital.

With VR showing promise as a safe and effective tool for reducing preoperative stress, the research team is now exploring broader implementation to evaluate its impact on clinical outcomes.