Interest of Virtual Reality in the Management of Anxiety and Pain Related to Post-cardiac Surgery Care

Interest of Virtual Reality in the Management of Anxiety and Pain Related to Post-cardiac Surgery Care

This study compares Virtual Reality versus Nitrous oxide administration for the management of anxiety and pain related to post-cardiac surgery care, especially during removal of mediastinal drainage.

After cardiac surgery, the mediastinal and pleural drains are usually removed the second postoperative day, in the absence of complications. This procedure, realized by nurses, is a source of anxiety and pain for patients.

Nitrous oxide (Kalinox®) is commonly used to manage many situations of anxiety, including the removal of mediastinal and/or pleural drains, and has shown a greater effect than placebo in this indication.

Virtual Reality (VR) is a recent technology that allows the representation of a pleasant environment in three dimensions with a complete immersion by a helmet. By distracting patients, this technology can reduce anxiety, discomfort and ultimately pain associated with care.

This randomized monocentric trial compares VR versus Kalinox® administration for the management of anxiety and pain related to post-cardiac surgery care, especially mediastinal and/or pleural drain removal.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Extubated after cardiac surgery
• Sinus rhythm
• Consent for participation
• Affiliation to the social security system

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pacemaker
• Visual acuity making impossible the use of virtual reality
• Intolerance to morphine
• Contraindication to Kalinox®
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Patients under protection of the adults (guardianship, curators or safeguard of justice)
• Communication difficulties or neuropsychiatric disorder