A Study to Evaluate ICU Simulation Experience in the Cardiothoracic Surgical Population to Reduce Post-operative Delirium

Pre-operative, Multi-sensory ICU Simulation Experience to Reduce Post-operative Delirium in the Cardiothoracic Surgical Population

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of a pre-ICU admission virtual reality ICU simulation on post-operative delirium in the elective cardiothoracic surgical population while in the intensive care unit.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Baseline normal neurological function pre-operatively.
• Planned use of mechanical ventilator with endotracheal tube post-operatively after planned cardiothoracic surgical procedure.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Chronic dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or other chronic neurological disease (i.e., Bi-Polar).
• Chronic use of neurological altering medications such as benzodiazepines, psychotropic, anti-depressants, anxiolytics.
• Patient undergoing emergent surgery.
• Use of post-operative cardiopulmonary support devices such as ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), intra-aortic balloon pump, total artificial heart, or other similar device.