Guided Meditation as an Adjunct to Enhance Postoperative Recovery

Guided Meditation as an Adjunct to Enhance Postoperative Recovery: A Feasibility Study

The primary purpose of this trial is to test the feasibility of implementing a meditation program in the perioperative period.

This is a prospective, randomized, controlled study involving 30 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Investigators will test the feasibility of implementing a meditation program in the perioperative period. Patients will be randomized to one of three groups: those who complete Isha Kriya (IK) meditation before and after surgery, those who complete postoperative IK meditation only, and those who receive the standard of care with no meditation intervention. In addition to testing feasibility, the investigators will explore whether a meditation program can affect recovery after surgery. Patients enrolled will be followed postoperatively for up to one month to assess their cognitive function, pain, and sleep. Blood will also be collected for analysis of biomarkers of inflammation.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18 years of age or older
2. Undergoing any of the following types of cardiac surgery: CABG with or without valve surgery (aortic and/or mitral); isolated valve surgery; isolated aortic surgery
3. Surgery scheduled for at least 14 days after enrollment

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Urgent and/or emergent surgery
2. Non-English speaking
3. Cognitive impairment as defined by total MoCA score < 10
4. Baseline DASS-21 depression score >10
5. Pre-existing history of psychiatric illness as documented in the medical record or divulged in history taking in pre-enrollment patient interview, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder
6. History of cerebrovascular accident or recent history (< 3 months) of seizures
7. History of dementia, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, or other forms of cognitive decline
8. Current use of cognition enhancing drugs
9. Current management for chronic pain
10. Currently enrolled in another interventional study that could impact the primary outcome, as determined by the PI
11. Educational attainment below high school level or equivalent
12. Significant visual impairment