Femoral catheter removal after coronary angiography is a common clinical procedure that may cause pain, anxiety, and changes in vital signs in patients. Non-pharmacological interventions are increasingly used to improve patient comfort and safety during invasive procedures. The purpose of this randomized controlled study is to evaluate the effect of a virtual reality (VR) application on pain, anxiety, and vital signs during femoral catheter removal in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Participants were randomly assigned to either a virtual reality group or a control group receiving routine care. Patients in the intervention group experienced a virtual reality application during femoral catheter removal, while the control group received standard clinical care. Pain intensity, anxiety levels, and vital signs were assessed before, during, and after the procedure. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to evidence-based nursing practice by supporting the use of virtual reality as a safe and effective non-pharmacological method to reduce discomfort during femoral catheter removal.
Coronary angiography is a widely used diagnostic procedure in cardiology, and femoral arterial access remains common in many clinical settings. Removal of the femoral catheter following the procedure is frequently associated with pain, anxiety, and physiological responses such as changes in blood pressure and heart rate. These symptoms may negatively affect patient comfort and overall procedural experience. Virtual reality (VR) is a non-pharmacological intervention that provides immersive audiovisual stimulation and has been shown to reduce pain and anxiety by diverting attention and promoting relaxation. However, evidence regarding its effectiveness during femoral catheter removal after coronary angiography remains limited. This single-center, randomized controlled trial was conducted to determine the effect of virtual reality on pain intensity, anxiety levels, and vital signs during femoral catheter removal in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to either the virtual reality intervention group or the control group. Patients in the intervention group received a virtual reality application during femoral catheter removal, while patients in the control group received routine clinical care. Data were collected using a patient information form, a visual analog scale for pain assessment, a standardized anxiety assessment tool, and vital signs monitoring. Measurements were obtained before, during, and after femoral catheter removal. The results of this study aim to provide evidence supporting the integration of virtual reality into nursing care practices to enhance patient comfort and improve the quality of care during invasive cardiovascular procedures.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
100
A virtual reality application providing immersive audiovisual content was used during femoral catheter removal to reduce pain and anxiety.
Kayseri City Hospital
Kayseri, Turkey (Türkiye)
Pain intensity measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), scored from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain). Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.
Time frame: Before femoral sheath removal (baseline), during femoral sheath removal (procedural period), and immediately after sheath removal
Anxiety level measured by State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S)
Anxiety will be measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - State Form (STAI-S), assessing state (situational) anxiety only. The scale consists of 20 items, with scores ranging from 20 (low anxiety) to 80 (high anxiety). Higher scores indicate greater anxiety.
Time frame: Before sheath removal (baseline) and immediately after sheath removal
Heart rate measured in beats per minute (bpm)
Heart rate will be measured using standard clinical monitoring equipment and reported in beats per minute (bpm).
Time frame: Before sheath removal (baseline), during femoral sheath removal (procedural period), and immediately after sheath removal
Systolic blood pressure measured in mmHg
Systolic blood pressure will be measured using non-invasive monitoring and reported in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
Time frame: Before sheath removal (baseline), during femoral sheath removal (procedural period), and immediately after sheath removal
Diastolic blood pressure measured in mmHg
Diastolic blood pressure will be measured using non-invasive monitoring and reported in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
Time frame: Before sheath removal (baseline), during femoral sheath removal (procedural period), and immediately after sheath removal
Respiratory rate measured in breaths per minute
Respiratory rate will be measured via standard clinical observation and reported as breaths per minute.
Time frame: Before sheath removal (baseline), during femoral sheath removal (procedural period), and immediately after sheath removal
Oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry (SpO₂ %)
Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂) will be measured using pulse oximetry and reported as percentage (%).
Time frame: Before sheath removal (baseline), during femoral sheath removal (procedural period), and immediately after sheath removal
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