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Guided Visualization Meditation for Reducing Surgical Stress Response in Cardiac Surgery Patients

Turkey (Türkiye)72 participantsStarted 2026-01-15

Plain-language summary

This study aims to evaluate whether guided visualization meditation can reduce the surgical stress response in patients undergoing open-heart surgery. Surgical stress response includes changes in hormones, blood glucose, and anxiety levels that occur before and after major surgery. Guided visualization meditation is a non-invasive relaxation technique that uses calming audio instructions to help patients imagine peaceful scenes and reduce stress. In this study, patients scheduled for cardiac surgery will be assigned to one of two groups: an intervention group that receives guided visualization meditation and a control group that receives standard care only. Patients in the intervention group will listen to an audio recording containing guided visualization and calming background music through headphones. Sessions will be provided twice on the day before surgery, twice on the day of surgery, and twice on the first postoperative day. To evaluate the effects of the intervention, blood samples will be collected to measure cortisol, glucose, and insulin levels. Anxiety levels will be assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I and STAI-II), and pain will be measured using a visual pain scale. These measurements will be performed at three specific time points: one day before surgery, six hours after extubation, and one day post-surgery. The goal of this research is to determine whether guided visualization meditation can help reduce stress-related physiological and psychological changes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. If effective, this method may offer a simple, safe, and supportive strategy to improve recovery and overall patient well-being.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years or older * Scheduled to undergo open-heart surgery * ASA physical status I-II * First-time cardiac surgery * On-pump, median sternotomy technique planned * Mild to moderate intraoperative hypothermia protocol * No diagnosed psychiatric disorder * Not using psychotropic medications * No endocrine disorders affecting cortisol (e.g., Addison's disease, Cushing's syndrome) * Not taking corticosteroid medications * Glasgow Coma Score = 15 postoperatively * No perioperative complications that may interfere with participation * Able and willing to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Prolonged or complicated surgery * Withdrawal of consent at any stage * Postoperative altered consciousness (GCS \< 15) * Perioperative administration of corticosteroids * Severe intraoperative complications * Surgery cancelled or rescheduled * Hearing impairment preventing participation in auditory intervention * Any condition clinically judged by the investigator to interfere with study participation

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Serum Cortisol Level

Timeframe: One day before surgery, six hours after extubation on the day of surgery, and one day after surgery

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07379944

SponsorUniversity of Gaziantep

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-12-31

Contact for this trial

TUGBA ALBAYRAM, Dr.

+905548758383 tugbaalbayram@gmail.com

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Cardiac Surgery trials