Effect of Virtual Reality During Femoral Sheath Removal

The Effect of Virtual Reality Glasses During Femoral Sheath Removal on Pain, Anxiety, and Vital Signs in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled study was conducted to evaluate the effect of virtual reality glasses used during femoral sheath removal on pain, anxiety, and vital signs in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients were assigned to either a virtual reality intervention group or a control group receiving standard care. Pain, anxiety, and vital signs were assessed before, during, and after the procedure. The study aimed to determine whether virtual reality application could improve patient comfort and reduce procedure-related discomfort during femoral sheath removal.

Percutaneous coronary intervention is a commonly used invasive procedure in the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease. Femoral sheath removal performed after the procedure may cause pain, anxiety, and hemodynamic changes in patients. Non-pharmacological interventions are increasingly used to improve patient comfort and reduce procedure-related stress.

Virtual reality technology is considered an effective distraction method that may reduce pain perception and anxiety by directing patients' attention to immersive visual and auditory stimuli. Previous studies have demonstrated the positive effects of virtual reality applications during invasive and painful procedures.

This randomized controlled study aimed to investigate the effect of virtual reality glasses used during femoral sheath removal on pain, anxiety, and vital signs in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients were randomly assigned to either the intervention group receiving virtual reality application during femoral sheath removal or the control group receiving standard care. Pain intensity, anxiety levels, and vital signs were evaluated before, during, and after the procedure.

The findings of this study may contribute to evidence-based nursing interventions aimed at improving patient comfort during femoral sheath removal procedures.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients aged 18 years and older
• Patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention via femoral access
• Patients with only one femoral sheath catheter
• Patients who did not receive analgesic medication before sheath removal
• Patients without severe hemorrhage or major hematoma at the femoral sheath site
• Patients able to communicate in Turkish
• Patients without visual, hearing, or speech impairment
• Patients without mental impairment affecting communication
• Patients without psychiatric diagnosis and not using psychiatric medication

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients unwilling to participate or wishing to withdraw from the study at any stage

  • Patients who removed the virtual reality glasses during the intervention
  • Patients who experienced intolerance to virtual reality application (e.g., dizziness or nausea)